Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the appeal of hypertension. The claim for service connection for thyroid condition secondary to asbestos exposure and/or herbicide exposure was reopened, but the issue remains remanded due to lack of evidence regarding Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, esophageal disability, cirrhosis, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as these conditions resulted from alcohol abuse during service. The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for breathing disorder/bronchitis, coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, headaches, and psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset or relationship of these conditions to service.

The Veteran's disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are now rated at a combined rating of 80 percent. A total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to August 9, 2017 was denied. The appeal for a higher rating after August 9, 2017, is granted with a 60 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and COPD are denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence that would support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and hepatitis C with elevated liver enzymes are granted. The decision on the ischemic heart disease claim is based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents, while the hepatitis C claim requires further examination.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease/coronary artery disease is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease due to an inadequate VA examination and incomplete rating decision. A new VA examination is needed, along with obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's cardiovascular disability, including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, was denied service connection as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The exposure to herbicide agents on Okinawa and Guam was also not established.

The Veteran's compensation benefits, including SMC housebound, are subject to offset due to a $88,000 FTCA settlement. The appeal is denied as there is no legal merit or entitlement under the law.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and a heart condition, including but not limited to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, congestive heart failure, supraventricular arrhythmia, supraventricular tachycardia and valvular heart disease. The Board found no evidence of an in-service diagnosis or connection.

The Board denied service connection for memory loss disorder, heart disorder, sleep disorder, residuals from a traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson's disease as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for bronchitis and ischemic heart disease secondary to asbestos exposure, and left knee disability are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease was denied. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The issues of ischemic heart disease with heart problems (angina) and chronic headaches are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made. The Board granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to presumed herbicide exposure during active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a heart disorder due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for PVCs, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), and residuals of TBI.