Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and heart disorders, as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the aggravation of hypertension by the service-connected MDD.

The Veteran's PTSD and CAD are being remanded for further evaluation due to evidence of worsening symptoms. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as part of the increased rating claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and a higher initial rating for ischemic heart disease. The claim was based on exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, specifically Agent Orange. The effective date of August 31, 2010 is established as the earliest possible due to the addition of ischemic heart disease to the list of presumptively service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a heart disability, specifically whether it is related to in-service herbicide agent exposure. The back condition claim remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder. However, the issues of service connection for bilateral cataracts and heart condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability is reopened, and the issue of entitlement to service connection for a heart condition is remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, including as due to exposure to herbicides, needs further examination and evidence before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant due to his respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic pulmonary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM II), and major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence or further clarification.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral gout of the feet and sleep disability (insomnia) as these conditions are not related to military service.,Service connection was also denied for left and right knee disability, heart disability (stents in heart), hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back and left knee disorders, right ear hearing loss, heart disability, hypertension, and scars have been denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU.,Service connection for depressive disorder has been established with an effective date prior to April 29, 2013.

The Veteran's entitlement to a disability rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is granted from June 23, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD with secondary major depression and night sweats remains rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and a heart disorder are all granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, heart disease, and a back scar from a shell fragment wound, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's initial ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation of these conditions.

The Board has vacated its previous remand order and is now remanding several issues related to TDIU, SMC at the housebound rate, DEA eligibility, increased ratings for coronary artery disease and tinnitus. The Veteran must be provided with a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding these matters.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for melanoma and a heart disability, both potentially related to in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran will need VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral eye disorder, pulmonary disability, and heart disability due to outstanding medical records and incomplete opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and right ear hearing loss due to Agent Orange exposure, as well as his request for a compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss. The VA is required to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations to determine if there is service connection for these conditions.