Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's foot wound and rash were treated at a private hospital due to the urgency of his condition, which was exacerbated by uncontrolled diabetes. The decision grants payment for the medical services provided.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is found to have contributed substantially to his cause of death, which was listed as cardio-pulmonary failure and metastatic gastric esophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder, finding that the Veteran's current heart disorders are not related to his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's heart condition is not secondary to his in-service chest pain complaints.

The Veteran's death was attributed to ischemic heart disease, which the appellant contends was caused by exposure to herbicides during his service. The Board found insufficient evidence of herbicide exposure and remanded for further verification.

The Veteran's disability rating for hypertensive heart disease was reduced from 60% to 0%. The Board found that the reduction did not follow proper procedural safeguards and restored the original 60% rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease was granted, with a 10 percent rating from June 1, 2010 to December 19, 2011. The appeal is denied for ratings in excess of these levels.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease and unstable angina has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request for a hearing.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) with ischemic heart disease (IHD) is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, but granted an effective date of November 25, 1994 for coronary artery disease (previously claimed as irregular heartbeat).

The Board has recharacterized the claim for service connection for vertigo as one for ear dysfunction manifested by vertigo.,Service connection cannot be established for CAD, sleep apnea, or PTSD due to lack of evidence showing a current disability and no medical nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, lumbar back condition, tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and heart condition as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.,Service connection was also denied for high cholesterol and hypertension due to lack of disability for VA purposes.

The Board dismissed the appeals for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the appeal regarding an earlier effective date for coronary artery disease. The Veteran's claim of service connection for coronary artery disease was previously denied in February 2013 due to lack of evidence supporting his active service in Vietnam. However, a subsequent buddy statement and review of service treatment records indicated he served in Vietnam. The earliest possible effective date is June 20, 2016, the date the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim was received.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's coronary artery disease caused his sudden cardiac arrest and was the immediate or underlying cause of his death.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran's claims of service connection for lung disorder and coronary artery disease due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran is being asked to undergo new VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service, including exposure to asbestos and hyperlipidemia.

The Board has decided that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection for chest pain and heart disease can be adjudicated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease does not meet the criteria for a restoration of a 60 percent rating, as there is no evidence showing improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which the Board found not related to service. The other causes of death (coronary artery disease and hypertension) were also not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's scar from a coronary artery bypass graft has caused him pain throughout the claim period, and he is now rated at 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU has been granted. The appeal of service connection for a heart condition is remanded, as are the appeals regarding sleep disorder and gingivitis.