Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for coronary artery disease was denied. The initial rating of 10 percent was upheld, and the ratings of 30 percent and 60 percent were both denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a sleep disorder has been dismissed as the preponderance of evidence does not support a current diagnosis.,Service connection for temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) is denied because the condition was not aggravated during active duty and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that it existed prior to service. The Veteran's appeal for this issue has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for coronary artery disease has been dismissed as he withdrew his claim before a decision could be made.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for closed fracture of the right first toe has been dismissed as he withdrew his claim before a decision could be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion and missing VA records. The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed, along with his service-connected PTSD and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied, and the Board remanded the case for further development. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s METs stemming solely from a cardiac standpoint were likely in the 7 to 10 range during the period of March 1, 2006 to May 23, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IHD and remanded the issues of service connection for tinnitus and a skin disability (claimed as jungle rot).

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital from November 23, 2015, to December 1, 2015, are denied because VA facilities were found to be feasibly available for continued treatment after the emergency room visit.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was granted a disability rating of 60 percent effective June 20, 2013. The condition met the criteria for this rating as evidenced by workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable prior to June 4, 2018 and 10 percent thereafter. The heart condition claim has been remanded due to inadequate previous examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the cause of death and Agent Orange exposure. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of her husband's death, which is believed to be related to his service-connected conditions and potential Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further investigation into his exposure to herbicide agents in Guam.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of a study by Viola Vaccarino, which suggests that PTSD may cause or aggravate heart disease. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his heart disability is being sent back for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for a heart condition, prostate cancer, and skin cancer are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's 60% disability rating for coronary artery disease is restored, and he is granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and hypertension due to herbicide exposure as there is insufficient evidence regarding his service in Vietnam. The AOJ must request financial records from DFAS and attempt to obtain private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and COPD, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam. The decision is based on presumptive service connection under VA regulations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's heart condition is related to his active military service and has ordered a remand for further development.

The Veteran's appeal was found to be timely, and the Board granted service connection for PTSD, a low back condition, a heart condition, and psychosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's appeal was not timely filed in response to the February 2014 Statement of the Case, and thus has no jurisdiction over the March 2012 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for mesothelioma, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus due to additional development being required. The Veteran's exposure history is unclear, and further medical opinions are needed regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and denied service connection for lymphoma and ischemic heart disease. The decision on the issue of service connection for lymphoma is based on the Veteran's lay statements, while the decision on the issue of service connection for ischemic heart disease is not provided.