Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination regarding service connection for hypertension, including due to Agent Orange exposure and secondary to PTSD and/or coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an allergy condition and asthma have been granted, while his claim for a heart condition has been granted on the basis of presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent due to its symptoms but no greater.

The Veteran's PTSD and CAD have been granted, with a 50% rating for PTSD. The TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 70 percent from January 23, 2015 to April 13, 2018. The increased rating for coronary artery disease and the TDIU claim are remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) was granted, but the effective date prior to June 16, 2008 is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, including due to herbicide agent exposure, finding no evidence of in-service event or incurrence related to his heart condition and no support for a link between his current condition and herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his coronary artery disease, status post CABG and stent placement was dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease, including ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and thus denying presumptive service connection. The Board also found that the current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease did not manifest in service or within a year following separation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his disabilities did not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarction is rated at a 60 percent rating from April 29, 2013, to prior to August 6, 2013. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating based on his symptoms and improvement after cardiac rehabilitation.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for additional opinions regarding service connection for tobacco use, diabetes, and other conditions listed on the Veteran's death certificate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right-sided heart disease and ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service. The Board also remanded the issue of special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD as he withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain and a heart condition, as well as pes planus, were granted. Service connection was also denied for hyperlipidemia.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective December 4, 2015. The Veteran's coronary artery disease remains at a 30% rating since November 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional information regarding herbicide agent exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, kidney disorder, and headaches have been denied. The claim for increased rating of coronary artery disease has also been denied.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and a skin disorder, finding that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents in Germany and that his conditions were not related to service.

The Board has added new evidence to the record and finds that remand is necessary for further development on multiple service connection claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are granted. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the recent grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and PTSD have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU as of when he stopped full-time employment.