Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for hip spurs, spinal bone spurs, and heart condition. The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) was denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease are granted service connection as they are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and determination of whether he was a former prisoner of war (POW). The appellant is not eligible for DIC benefits as he does not qualify as a 'child' under VA compensation purposes. He is entitled to accrued benefits up to the amount of what he paid for his mother's last sickness and burial.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that his condition did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus (DM) was rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted. The Veteran also met the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied as he did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date, with the earliest date being November 19, 2010.

The Board has found that the Veteran's available medical records are inadequate for adjudicating his service connection claim. The claims file lacks necessary records regarding wartime periods of service. The Veteran is requested to provide any outstanding treatment records, lay statements, post-service VA or private treatment records, employment health examinations, and specific records related to heart disability etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural issues regarding the current appellant's standing as a substitute for her mother in seeking benefits. The AOJ is instructed to clarify which theory of entitlement (substitution or accrued benefits) applies and provide proper notification.

The claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is denied because there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during the Veteran's service, and his current condition cannot be linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, both due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's testimony about his exposure is not verified, and further development is needed to corroborate this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to diabetes, but denied service connection for congestive heart failure and hypertension. The claim for hypertension was reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease is granted at a 10 percent level prior to March 12, 2015 and in excess of 30 percent since then. The Veteran's CABG scar receives an initial compensable rating (10%) as of March 4, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and hypertension, which are secondary to his service-connected PTSD, MDD, and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's pension benefits exceeded his compensation benefits, making him ineligible for accrued benefits at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing service treatment records and a lack of VA treatment records. The claims will be adjudicated based on the available evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities because there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the Veteran currently has ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery disease. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease with angina pectoris was granted in May 2014, but he disagrees with the current evaluation. The Board has decided that a new examination is needed to determine the severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and Parkinson’s disease due to missing medical records and incomplete service personnel records. The appellant is also seeking SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, as well as TDIU.

Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted, and the issue of service connection for residuals of stroke (secondary to ischemic heart disease) is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted on September 9, 2011 when he had a combined disability rating of 80%. The Board denied an earlier effective date as the claim is based on established service-connected disabilities.