Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder NOS is rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The Board has also remanded several other issues including service connection for sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability, and for obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for headaches and a rating for hypertensive heart disease. The appeals are pending further review.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his coronary artery disease associated with herbicide exposure is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous medical examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability, ischemic heart disease (IHD), atrial fibrillation, and idiopathic chronic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are not service-connected. The case is being sent back for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received. The claims are now remanded to allow for further development regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has vacated the June 1, 2018 denial of service connection for various conditions and initial ratings. The Veteran's claims are now considered granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 30, 2015 for the Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease (CAD). The earlier effective date will impact eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance and Special Monthly Compensation.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and associated neuropathies are granted. Tinnitus is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for pulmonary sarcoidosis and awarded an effective date of July 17, 2009. The earlier effective date for service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is also granted.

The Veteran's lung disability of pulmonary sarcoidosis is granted, effective July 17, 2009. Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) secondary to service-connected sleep apnea is also granted, with an effective date of July 17, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for lower back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and heart condition as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claims for his coronary artery disease, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to incomplete development.,Further examination is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) was granted at a 60 percent level starting from November 30, 2001. The condition resulted in left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance have been dismissed.,Service connection was denied for a lumbar spine disability, COPD, and anxiety disorder with dysthymic disorder.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, limited education, and remote work history. The Board grants entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not service-connected due to lack of a nexus between current symptoms and in-service noise exposure.,PTSD remains at the maximum 50% evaluation, as there are no additional occupational or social impairments warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital during his non-emergency treatment were approved by VA, as he was not stabilized for transfer to a VA facility and refused such transfer.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and determination of need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is being evaluated again, and a new opinion on its relationship with coronary artery disease and medications is required. Additionally, VA treatment records are needed and an examination is required to determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance.