Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is rated at 20 percent and his ischemic heart disease (IHD) post myocardial infarction is rated at 100 percent. The Board has remanded for an examination to determine if the skin disorder is part of the diabetic process.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and colon cancer were not granted at the time of his death, and thus accrued benefits are denied.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) due to the lack of evidence showing cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, and a left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 50 percent. The Board found that the Veteran’s METs levels were not reliable as they included consideration of comorbid conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and heart condition render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's CAD was granted a 100% rating since March 8, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran became symptomatic upon exertion of 1-3 METs and had a LVEF of at least 40 to 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied because his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria, while his nonservice-connected conditions necessitate the need for aid and assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was granted a 70% rating from March 31, 2016. The claim for increased ratings and TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and hypertension are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service, and the current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure. The Board also found that the conditions are not related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease with unstable angina was granted a disability rating of 60 percent effective March 19, 2012. The appeal for an initial higher rating prior to that date is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease was denied as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities were denied as they did not meet the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being associated with the record and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any currently diagnosed heart disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) as secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The initial disability rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent, and the issue of total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's CAD and hypertension are granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's Barrett’s esophagus and mild gastritis (GERD) are denied as not related to his military service.,Right knee disability is reopened, with the claim for service connection being granted.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and transient cerebral ischemic attack due to exposure to herbicides, finding no current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease (IHD), but has remanded the case to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, including myocardial infarction and bypass surgery, is granted a 100% rating effective September 30, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service. The claim is not reopened.,The Veteran's left ear hearing loss has been reopened as new and material evidence suggests a possible link between the condition and his active duty service.

The claim to reopen the service connection for COD due to herbicide exposure is denied. The claim to reopen the service connection for COD under 38 C.F.R. § 1151 is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection.