Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims of service connection for a heart disorder and sleep apnea are granted. The Board finds that the existing record triggers VA’s duty to provide the Veteran with VA examinations to obtain needed etiology opinions, and remands the cases for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional examinations. The issues include diabetic neuropathy, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, chest pain (coronary artery disease), chronic fatigue, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various sized growths on his body.

The Board denied an initial disability rating for a heart disability exceeding 30 percent and a rating exceeding 60 percent beginning May 24, 2017. The evidence did not show the Veteran's condition met the criteria for higher ratings than currently assigned.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as well as the cause of death claim due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his active service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of a heart condition and an increased rating for a duodenal ulcer. The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disease was granted a 20% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and a brain disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is presumed sound upon entry into service, but VA must provide an examination if there is sufficient competent medical evidence of a diagnosed disability or symptoms of disability that may be associated with active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the lack of schedular requirements for a TDIU rating. The issues of service connection for coronary artery disease and TDIU are inextricably intertwined, so both need to be addressed together.

The Veteran's heart disability, specifically coronary artery disease (CAD), is rated at 30 percent disabling. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied as the current rating adequately reflects his condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and a psychiatric disorder due to incomplete records from the Veteran's Reserve service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of his right knee, left knee, and coronary artery disease due to incomplete VA examinations and possible worsening of conditions.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the reopening of claims for pes planus, low back disability, peptic ulcer disease, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of coronary artery disease, dermatitis, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds the evidence at least evenly balanced in favor of the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and left eye vision loss due to lack of evidence of herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further development regarding residuals of right eye foreign bodies and right eye vision loss.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria required for a 100 percent rating, as there were no documented episodes of chronic congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction under 30 percent. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was denied because he could still maintain sedentary employment despite his CAD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records related to his service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes.

The Veteran's death was attributed to acute renal failure, not his service-connected coronary artery disease or hypertension. The VA medical opinions concluded that the service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are presumed to have been incurred in his active military service due to exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye condition and a higher evaluation for coronary artery disease. The decision found no current evidence of a link between the Veteran's military service and his claimed conditions.