Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made it impossible for him to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment since December 21, 2013.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass graft and implanted cardiac pacemaker was evaluated at a 30 percent rating, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on METs level or ejection fraction.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as they are not related to the Veteran's active duty service.,Service connection was also denied for amputation of the toes and right leg due to a diabetic foot ulcer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal condition, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease have been granted. The issues of service connection for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and anemia are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of service dates and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, hypertension, sleep apnea, and fibromyalgia have been denied as there is no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service.

The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death, and no service connection decisions are made as a result.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and the residuals of a cerebrovascular accident, finding no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a pulmonary disorder, CAD, and skin cancer due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. Additional research is needed to verify the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 15, 2011 for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease was granted. The condition is presumed due to herbicide exposure in the Korean DMZ.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating greater than 60 percent for CAD. The Veteran's back/neck condition, COPD, and erectile dysfunction were also remanded for further development.,The Veteran was not provided with a VA examination prior to his death to assess the existence and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted. The effective date for TDIU is remanded due to incomplete information regarding SSA disability benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions and records. The Veteran is being asked to undergo VA examinations for his diabetes, eye disabilities, lower extremity neurological conditions, heart disabilities, hypertension, and a balance disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, a heart condition (claimed as chest pain), and erectile dysfunction. The VA will obtain an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran’s right carpal tunnel syndrome claim, including whether it is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right wrist tendonitis. A new VA examination will also be scheduled for the Veteran's heart condition claim to determine if it is related to his active service. Additionally, a SOC will be provided for the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial disability rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's cardiovascular disability, including coronary artery disease with a history of myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, was not incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition. The Board found the preponderance of evidence against the claim.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam Era service. The kidney failure claim is remanded as the Board requires a medical opinion on whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected heart disability.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the death of the Veteran, and requests that the appellant clarify whether she wishes to proceed as a substitute claimant or for accrued benefits purposes. The appellant is also requested to provide any additional evidence pertinent to her claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The case is now remanded for further development, including a medical opinion on whether ischemic heart disease caused the Veteran's sudden cardiac arrest.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the rating for a headache disability, chronic kidney disease with hypertension, sinusitis, and heart disability. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to new evidence and possible improvement in service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, but denied service connection for COPD, hypertension, headaches, and heart disability.