Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding glaucoma, jaw issues, hypertension, liver cancer, ischemic heart disease, erectile dysfunction, COPD, and skin condition due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for cause of death, including verification of in-service asbestos and herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and left hip degenerative arthrosis substantially contributed to his cause of death, coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's CAD, SP CABG, and MI were granted a higher rating of 60 percent from April 1, 2002 to October 23, 2008 (excluding February 8, 2007 to May 31, 2007), and a 100 percent rating from February 8, 2007 to May 31, 2007. The Veteran's current rating of 60 percent is maintained from February 23, 2010 to July 18, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty in evaluating the severity of the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery vasospasm, and whether he may have related cerebral vasospasm. Further medical evaluation is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease, service connection for right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, bilateral peripheral vascular disease, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and multinodular goiter due to incomplete notice being provided.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and causation of the Veteran's coronary artery disease. The Veteran needs a new examination to address these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type 2 and coronary artery disease were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his heart disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), subdural hematoma, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and ischemic heart disease are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and lower extremities and erectile dysfunction as secondary to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of herbicide exposure in Vietnam or Okinawa.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for coronary artery disease and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s heart condition did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 30 percent, and his service-connected disabilities were not sufficient to warrant a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and service, specifically his presumed in-service herbicide exposure. The VA must provide a new medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for SMC purposes.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for hypertension, residuals of stroke, and coronary artery disease are inextricably intertwined due to the relationship between hypertension and coronary artery disease. The Veteran's claims will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a heart disability, and breast cancer due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding whether the bilateral aneurysms of the common iliac arteries are manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected CAD, as well as obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, right knee disability, hypertension, and skin disability due to herbicide exposure. The claims are being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and providing a medical opinion.