Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of coronary artery disease (CAD) as it is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted due to new and material evidence, and his exposure to herbicides during active duty in Thailand. Service connection is established based on the presumption of exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease as a result of herbicide agent exposure, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least in equipoise with evidence showing manifestations to a degree of 10 percent disabling. The motorcycle accident prior to service was not found to be a recognized cause of the condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for extraschedular consideration of his service-connected stable angina with coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to August 18, 2016.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, while his major depressive disorder is granted a 30 percent rating. His coronary artery disease from June 13, 2013 to October 12, 2016, remains at 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to additional disability caused or aggravated by VA treatment in 2014, and for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance or housebound level.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for a heart disability, including whether he was exposed to herbicides or radiation during his time in Guam. The AOJ is instructed to obtain VA treatment records and personnel records, as well as conduct additional research through the JSRRC.

The Board has restored the previously assigned disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and coronary artery disease, finding that the reduction was not proper due to lack of improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease and bypass surgery has been dismissed because he withdrew all pending claims and appeals.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for mood disorder, PTSD, and coronary artery disease. As a result, the appeals are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for increased ratings of his heart disability and chest scar, finding that there was no medical evidence between August 8, 2015 and August 8, 2016 making it factually ascertainable that his conditions were at least 100% and 30% disabling respectively.

The Board has restored the Veteran's initial rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) from September 1, 2015, as the reduction was improper due to lack of improvement in the Veteran’s ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for heart disease and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting an examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder. The issues of service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as heart disorder, are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is denied since August 19, 2019.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 25, 2011 for the grant of a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease. The Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of this date.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be related to his service in Thailand, where he was exposed to herbicides. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease prevents him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment due to its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, heart condition, fatty liver, and thyroid condition due to lack of opinion on their relationship to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The heart condition claim remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.