Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease status post stenting is being remanded for further evaluation due to his assertion of worsening symptoms and failure to report for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and mental illness for treatment purposes are remanded. The claim for increased rating of ischemic heart disease is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD was granted, with a 70% rating effective October 22, 2012. The service connection for ischemic heart disease and the effect date for service connection were not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to May 19, 2016 for a TDIU was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to this date. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities alone were insufficient to render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for heart disease before a decision was made by the Board.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension. The AOJ must obtain any outstanding private treatment records and schedule appropriate VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s conditions.

The Veteran's death was caused by aspiration pneumonia and progressive senile dementia, with other significant conditions including anorexia, malnutrition, anasarca, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. The cause of the Veteran’s death is not related to active service.

The Veteran's heart disorder has been rated at 60 percent since July 9, 2008. A TDIU rating is granted due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. The issue of service connection for an eye disability other than service-connected hypertensive retinopathy (to include glaucoma and blurred vision) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange. The issues are related to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease was granted, and he is now rated at 70% for PTSD.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was granted a 100% rating from December 15, 2016. His diabetes mellitus type II and diabetic neuropathy were each granted a 40% rating effective March 21, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be caused by his service in Vietnam and exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease due to lack of a current diagnosis. The skin condition claim is remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence to accurately decide the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for morbid obesity, PTSD, and hearing loss have been denied. The case is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between any diagnosed heart disorder(s) and the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral cataracts, open angle glaucoma, and increased rating for cervical spine fracture residuals and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for heart condition, hernia, left knee disorder, and right leg disorder due to unresolved medical evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder. The issues of service connection for gout, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type 2, and heart disorder are remanded. Service connection for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has determined that additional clarification is needed regarding whether the Veteran has had ischemic heart disease at any point during the period at issue, and also needs to determine if his hypertension is related to herbicide agent exposure in service. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure in Thailand.