Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 14, 2016 for the award of TDIU as it is not factually ascertainable that his heart disability increased in severity so as to render him unemployable during the one year period prior to his claim.

The Board found no evidence of exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange, and thus could not grant service connection for the Veteran's claimed prostate cancer or ischemic heart disease under presumptive provisions. The claim was denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, significantly impact his ability to function in an occupational setting. The Board finds that he is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied in March 2005, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection as his diagnosis is a depressive disorder rather than PTSD.,Service connection for coronary artery disease is granted based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, effective April 21, 2011. The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain outstanding treatment records and a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to insufficient information regarding herbicide exposure and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, is denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran's current diagnosis of adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood was more likely related to his childhood abuse rather than his in-service events. Service connection for ischemic heart disease as a result of exposure to herbicide agents is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition. The reduction from 60 percent to 30 percent effective May 1, 2014 is also under review.

The Veteran's CAD resulted in a workload greater than 5 METS but not greater than 7 METS resulting in dyspnea, which warrants a 30 percent rating from July 30, 2015. The claim for TDIU is also addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, and varicose veins of the left leg, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected heart condition and arteriosclerotic heart disease are considered to be the cause of his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's heart condition has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 28, 2016, outside the convalescent period, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's sensory neuropathy of the cutaneous branch of the right saphenous nerve has not met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's heart disorder was characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion, left heart catherization, and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 50%. His diabetes mellitus required insulin, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The Board found that the reduction from 60% to 30% for ischemic heart disease was improper due to lack of improvement in ability to function under ordinary conditions. For diabetes, the Veteran's condition did not warrant more than a 20% rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims on appeal can be decided. The case is REMANDED to obtain all relevant records, verify herbicide exposure, and provide appropriate medical opinions regarding the etiology of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's cause of death (multiple organ failure, including colon cancer and coronary artery disease) was not service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's fatal conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the earliest possible effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease is February 10, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and an unclear opinion regarding the Veteran's heart condition.