Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS, is rated at 50 percent prior to March 30, 2016 and at 70 percent thereafter. CAD is rated at 60 percent prior to January 1, 2015 and at 30 percent thereafter.,PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS, has been granted a higher rating from March 30, 2016 onwards. CAD remains at the same level of disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease status-post bypass grafting was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease has resulted in left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent since April 21, 2014. This warrants a rating of 60 percent.,Prior to this date, the disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for service connection for various conditions, including frontal sinus osteoma, head trauma, headaches, chronic sinusitis/rhinitis, GERD, and others. The claim of tinea pedis was also withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were a contributory cause of his death. The VA examiner is asked to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's increased rating for coronary heart disease with non-chronic congestive heart failure was granted, and he is now rated at 60 percent. His diabetes and hypertension are currently evaluated as they were prior to the remand. The TDIU claim has been granted effective from May 3, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was granted a 100% rating effective August 3, 2016. His PTSD was also increased to a 50% rating from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for his claimed right bundle branch block.

The Veteran's right breast mass and left foot rash, chest pain, and digestive disorder are all found to be related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the receipt of additional medical evidence. The case will be reviewed and a Supplemental Statement of the Case will be issued.

The Board has found that the Veteran's chronic rhinitis first manifested in service and is related to exposure to hazards during his deployment, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease has been rated at 100 percent throughout the appeal period, and as such, the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is moot.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner who provided the April 2016 C&P examination report. The TDIU claim will be deferred until the increased rating claim on appeal has been completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus are not related to his military service, including any herbicide exposure. Therefore, these claims have been denied.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is related to his service-connected ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, including unstable angina, atherosclerotic heart disease, and acute myocardial infarction, is presumed to have been the result of disease or injury incurred in service and the criteria for an award of service connection for purposes of entitlement to retroactive benefits have been met.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and medical opinions are inadequate for determining whether the Veteran's heart disability is related to his service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The claim is being remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is service-connected. The claim for service connection for seizures and right knee disability was reopened due to new evidence received since the April 2005 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that his claims are evaluated with the most current and relevant medical evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, heart disability, hypertension, and skin condition based on new evidence. However, due to lack of credible exposure to herbicides during service, these conditions cannot be linked to his military service.