Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's heart disability is rated at 100 percent since February 7, 2004. Prior to that date, the rating was less than 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) and subsequent bypass surgery is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claims for migraine headaches, stroke residuals, back disorder, left knee disorder, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and heart disorder. The appeals are now remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his military service. The claims of service connection for sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus type 2 are currently pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was granted a 60 percent rating from December 12, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused his obesity and, in turn, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The VA must obtain updated treatment records and provide an opinion on these issues.

The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for ischemic heart disease from March 5, 2001 to May 4, 2010. The effective date is set at March 5, 2001 based on the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary artery disease, which is a presumptive condition for those who served in Vietnam. The effective date of the DIC benefits granted based on this cause of death is set at February 1, 2000, the day of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea and/or coronary artery disease. The issue of service connection for coronary artery disease remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examinations and the need for additional records from SSA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has found that service connection is not warranted for a bilateral hearing loss disability and has remanded the case to obtain clarification on the Veteran's heart disability diagnosis. The case will be further reviewed with respect to these issues.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary artery disease and arrhythmia, but neither condition is service-connected. The VA examiner concluded that the bronchiectasis did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's heart conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and residuals of prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure, as these conditions are presumed related to the Veteran's military service.

The claim to service connection for a cholesterol disability is dismissed. The claims to service connection for bilateral knee, gout, back, and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy disabilities are denied. Service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for heart disability is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. The VA examiner found that these conditions are less likely than not related to his active duty.

The Veteran's heart disability, including chest pain and syncope, is remanded for further development to determine its etiology and whether it is related to service or any incident of service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for ischemic heart disease, chloracne, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are also remanded due to a lack of effective date prior to November 17, 2010.