Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, heart condition, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and depression have been remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial.,Additional searches are needed to verify the Veteran's alleged service in Vietnam.

The Board dismissed the appeals as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease prior to November 11, 2013. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is remanded due to insufficient evidence on its etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disability, diagnosed as mild pulmonary function impairment and sleep apnea. However, the heart disability remains in dispute and requires further examination to determine its nature and extent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating prior to March 11, 2016 and after December 31, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, hypertension, cervical spine/ neck disability, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral arms and hands, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral legs, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral feet disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, thyroid disability, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nervous disorder, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied prior to September 8, 2010.,From September 8, 2010, to January 23, 2018, the Veteran's CAD with stable angina has been rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for coronary atherosclerosis with aortic stenosis, status post coronary artery bypass graft was remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for heart disability, hypertension, residuals of bladder cancer, and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Taiwan.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and related benefits are denied as the earliest date of service connection is February 24, 2011.,No earlier effective dates can be granted due to the liberalizing VA law that established presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder have been granted initial ratings of 100 percent, effective from the date of the grant of service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disorder, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. The evidence did not show that these conditions began during service or were related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board also found insufficient evidence linking the heart disability to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was granted, with a final rating of 60 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart condition, specifically atrial fibrillation, was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with anxiety disorder and insomnia. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected COPD was the principal or contributory cause of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including tinnitus and multiple cardiovascular conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Service connection for tinnitus is granted based on in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following all forms of substantially gainful employment.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus. Service connection claims for other conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and DMII, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.,The Board also denied an increased rating for left ear hearing loss as the disability is currently noncompensable.