Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for coronary artery disease (CAD) with aortocoronary bypass and service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erectile dysfunction (ED) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.,The Veteran's claim for total rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint and disc disease, and sciatica, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of at least 70% due to these conditions.

The appeals to reopen the service connection claims for atrophy of the left kidney, arteriosclerosis of the lower extremities, and coronary artery disease have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, esophageal cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The remand requires further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of ischemic heart disease is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids with pruritus ani is denied. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for vagal syncope/ fainting and his TDIU claim are remanded.

The Veteran's original claim for service connection for a heart condition was denied in 1985, and no communication regarding reopening the claim was received until May 24, 1996. The effective date of service connection cannot be earlier than May 24, 1996.

The claim for service connection of ischemic heart disease is dismissed. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hand and wrist disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the claims have been granted and are no longer in dispute.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension is denied, and his initial rating claims for ischemic heart disease are also denied.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease as there is no current diagnosis of the condition in the medical records.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and denied service connection for this condition. The rating for ischemic heart disease is also remanded as the VA examination did not discuss left ventricular dysfunction.

The Veteran's heart disability, including coronary artery disease and related peripheral vascular issues, is not rated higher than 30 percent before November 14, 2013. A temporary 100% rating was granted for the double coronary bypass surgery from November 14, 2013 to February 14, 2014. After that date, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II as due to herbicide exposure, coronary artery disease (CAD) as due to herbicide exposure, and left lower extremity amputation secondary to service-connected CAD. The Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and an increased rating for major depression with anxiety due to new evidence suggesting a possible link between these conditions and service. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for various heart disabilities, including aneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta, aortic insufficiency, left ventricular hypertrophy, and valvular heart disease, is being remanded due to incomplete records. The Board requests that VA obtain updated treatment records from the Veteran's private cardiologist and any additional VA treatment records. They also request that the Veteran complete a VA Form 21-4142 for his private cardiologist and provide all associated medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was recharacterized as a claim for TDIU due to the March 2016 rating decision granting service connection for CAD. The case is now remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The claims include respiratory disorder, coronary artery disease, and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's psoriatic arthritis is rated at 60 percent effective June 2, 2016. The RO denied a higher rating for coronary artery disease and denied an earlier effective date for service connection of psoriatic arthritis.,The Veteran's psoriasis is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is rated at 60 percent prior to May 3, 2016 and denied for increased ratings thereafter. The Veteran's PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating. His residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right shoulder are not rated higher than 40 percent on an extraschedular basis.,The Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.