Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that further development is needed due to the Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and high cholesterol, as there is evidence suggesting a possible link between these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease and hypertension are not rated higher than the current 30% and 10% ratings, respectively. The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

Service connection granted for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and PTSD), ischemic heart disease, and bilateral gynecomastia. Service connection was denied for borderline first degree AV block, gastroenteritis, and chronic constipation.,A 10 percent rating is granted for anterior chest wall syndrome with atypical chest pain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for obtaining missing VA examination reports and scheduling a TDIU evaluation. The issues of rating coronary artery disease and determining if the Veteran qualifies for TDIU are being returned to the RO.

The TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for further development and adjudication of other service connection claims. The TDIU will be readjudicated after those claims are resolved.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied. Service connection for lumbago with degenerative disc disease (low back disability) was granted.,Several other claims, including those for hearing loss, tinnitus, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypertension, acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disorders were remanded.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) for the period prior to November 3, 2011. The Veteran's METs were found to be greater than 5 but not greater than 7 due to his service-connected condition and not due to age.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, and hypothyroidism and benign neoplasm of the thyroid are not service-connected.,Service connection was denied for all conditions listed.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and correctly decide the Veteran's claims for service connection, including private treatment records from various doctors and Social Security Administration disability benefits documents.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to new evidence being added to his file and the need for a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, a heart condition, diabetes mellitus, type II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and musculoskeletal disabilities have all been denied.,Service connection has not been established for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since April 9, 2010. The Board finds that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his combination of service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's terminal hospital reports and missing February 2017 rating action. The appellant’s claims for service connection are also remanded due to an incomplete list of dates the Veteran served on active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of SMC. The issue of rating for recurrent lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is remanded due to evidence suggesting worsening.

The service connection claims for a lumbar spine disability and sleep apnea are reopened. Service connection for CAD due to herbicide exposure is granted.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes, CAD, or both is remanded for further examination and opinion.,Increased ratings for left and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy are remanded for a VA examination.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability as secondary to service-connected left ankle disability is remanded for a nexus opinion.,The Veteran's hypertension claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's back disability claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence.

The appeal to reopen service connection for the cause of death is granted due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development regarding alleged exposures in service.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has rendered him unemployable, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. Additionally, the Veteran is now eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide agent exposure, and remanded the remaining issues related to heart conditions, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident (CVA or stroke), sleep apnea, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, and an acquired psychological disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach polyps, renal toxicity, heart disability, and anemia due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The appeals are remanded as new examinations are needed to address the onset, relationship to service, and severity of these conditions.