Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to service connection, rating, and TDIU. The Veteran's heart disorder claim is currently under review.

Your claim for service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) with history of MI with stent, claimed as ischemic heart disease associated with herbicide exposure, has been granted. The case is dismissed as moot due to the full grant of benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease with acute, subacute, or old myocardial infarction and acute congestive heart failure is rated at 100% effective October 20, 2016. The appeal for earlier effective dates for the increased ratings are denied.

The Board has restored the 60 percent rating for ischemic heart disease from August 25, 2016. However, a higher than 60 percent rating is denied since that date.

The claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder, heart disorder, and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted. The Veteran's current treatment records support the existence of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted, and he is now entitled to VA benefits starting from the date of his original claim in July 15, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for lumbar strain service connection remains pending as there was no prior formal or informal claim filed before July 15, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) for being housebound prior to February 4, 2013 is denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a single permanent disability rated at 100% or meet the criteria of being permanently housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for service connection of ischemic heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and PTSD. The Board finds that an effective date of May 25, 2011 is warranted for the grant of service connection for each condition.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease and hypertension are granted service connection, while the claim for multiple sclerosis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disorder and sleep apnea due to alleged herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's service records show he served at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, where his duties placed him near the perimeter of the base. The AOJ is instructed to verify this exposure through the JSRRC.

The Veteran decided to stop pursuing his appeal for earlier effective dates and a higher evaluation for coronary artery disease, so the case is dismissed.

The Board denied claims for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, bilateral hearing loss, sleep disorder, coronary artery disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, as these were not adequately addressed in the previous examination. The Veteran's representative argued that his congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation are related to his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic colon cancer, which the appellant claims is related to his service. The Board finds that a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran’s exposure to herbicide agents at least as likely as not directly caused his colon cancer.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and related peripheral neuropathy claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) are remanded as the current severity of his disability is unclear, requiring an updated VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, as well as a heart condition due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's depression is also not service connected. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, transient ischemic attack, and heart disability due to an undiagnosed illness should be remanded because there may be outstanding relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability has been reopened, and he is granted a 60 percent rating for his obstructed urethra post-urethroplasty. Service connection for thyroid condition and eye conditions are denied.