Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to October 1, 2015 was denied. A subsequent increase in the rating to 60 percent effective August 31, 2010 was granted.,A disability rating of 100 percent for CAD as of October 1, 2015 was granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The rating reduction from 60 percent to 30 percent for ischemic heart disease, effective June 1, 2016, was improper. The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is remanded for a new examination and review of the record.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and remanded the issue of service connection for anemia due to lack of current disability evidence.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating for the period between February 1, 2012 and February 27, 2012. The issue of TDIU prior to October 20, 2011 is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his heart condition, throat condition, ureteral cancer, and psychiatric disorder. The claims are also being remanded to determine whether his urinary symptoms are related to his prostate cancer or nonservice-connected ureteral cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The heart disorder and kidney damage claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicide agents during the Veteran's active duty service, as his unit was positioned near the DMZ in Korea.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and a TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's cardiovascular disability and his ability to work. The issues of increased ratings for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction residuals and TDIU are being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been granted, but the effective date is not specified as it falls within a year of receipt of the claim.

The Veteran's heart disease, including ischemic heart disease, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and coronary artery disease, was denied service connection due to lack of in-service onset or chronicity, as well as no evidence linking the condition to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for atopic dermatitis (claimed as skin rash lower torso) was also denied because there is no evidence that it began during service or is related to any disease, injury, or event in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's non-ischemic heart condition, including congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy, is found to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's cause of death is remanded for further review, including obtaining SSA records and determining the eligibility for substitution. The DIC claim remains inextricably intertwined with the substitution issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 7, 2014 include ischemic heart disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board has determined that referral to the VA’s Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his active service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease are granted service connection as they are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service. The bilateral eye condition is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected conditions, specifically PTSD and hypertension.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of October 28, 2008 for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with this decision.