Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of heart disability, hypertension, and PVD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic headache disorder and fatigue disorder, were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to active service.,Service connection was also denied for kidney disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), blood disorder, and left lower extremity neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma and remanded the issue of service connection for ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's mood disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's CAD and bilateral lower extremity pain are not granted due to lack of in-service onset or relationship.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for a right knee disability, a right great toe disability, and coronary artery disease with hypertension. The cases are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, non-hodgkin lymphoma, and type II diabetes mellitus due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Veteran testified that he spent time on the ground in Vietnam during 1963, but further verification is needed regarding his specific duties and whether they were consistent with travel to Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his service-connected coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass graft is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent.

The Veteran's heart condition, diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities, and squamous cancer left cheek with residuals have been granted service connection due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's dementia and Alzheimer's with depression were denied as not related to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy was granted on a secondary basis to his now service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss, initial increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of delayed treatment for blood poisoning.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical records and the need for a further opinion regarding the Veteran's heart disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with legible copies of VA Form 21-2680s, conflicting findings in the April 2015 private and VA examination reports, and a need for an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was granted a disability rating of 100 percent from February 1, 2017 to October 2, 2017.

The claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease (claimed as heart disease) is reopened and the Veteran's current disability may be related to service. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's hearing loss, coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction, and hypertension are all denied. The cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease was denied as the evidence did not show any episodes of acute congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 50% or less. The preponderance of the evidence supported the current 30 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders, respiratory disorder manifested by difficulty breathing, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder NOS. The decision also remanded several issues for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and skin cancer due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is about eligibility for special home adaptation grants and assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for these benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.