Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, and bilateral diabetic neuropathy, render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to March 15, 2018 for the grant of TDIU and DEA benefits due to inextricability with the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) and its impact on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease has been granted. The appeal for service connection for respiratory disorder (other than upper airway resistance syndrome), to include COPD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various conditions due to new evidence and exposure claims. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is reopened but the AOJ must obtain additional medical records and determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides or other toxins.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and colon cancer, both claimed as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder. The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sinus/allergic rhinitis, headache condition, hypertension, skin cancer of the bilateral arms, high cholesterol, bilateral shoulder condition, appendix removal residuals, colon condition, GERD, brain stem stroke, sleep apnea, and heart condition. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from September 9, 2015 to June 21, 2018 due to his service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and a low back disability, but denied service connection for heart condition and liver condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease status post coronary artery bypass graft and myocardial infarction was granted with an effective date of December 7, 2014. The issues of hypertension were remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease as a result of exposure to herbicides during the Veteran's service in Thailand, finding that his assertions regarding perimeter contact are credible and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The claim for service connection for low potassium is denied.,The claim for service connection for residuals, spinal tap is denied.,The claim for service connection for residuals, colon cancer is denied.,The claim for service connection for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), claimed as blood clots, groin and legs is denied.,The claim for service connection for pulmonary embolism, claimed as blood clots, lungs is denied.,The claim for service connection for nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is denied.,The claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is denied.,The claim for service connection for chronic pneumonia and residuals is denied.,The claim for service connection for a heart disability, claimed as high blood pressure, multiple blocked arteries, and heart attacks is denied.,The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) is denied.,The claim for service connection for gout is denied.,The claim for service connection for arthritis is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The diabetes mellitus claim was denied as the evidence did not show that it required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. The coronary artery disease claim was denied due to lack of episodes of congestive heart failure or workload exceeding 3 METs resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. Diabetic neuropathy claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were dismissed due to withdrawals by the Veteran or his representative. The appeal for secondary service connection for GERD was also dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertensive heart disease and bilateral glaucoma, but has remanded the issue of left elbow disability.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease due to lack of evidence. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to issues related to his need for aid and attendance of another person as a result of service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury. The specific conditions include PTSD, CAD, tinnitus, and hearing loss in both ears.

The Board has granted a TDIU from June 29, 2007 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities of right knee total replacement and coronary artery disease. The evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's application for S-DVI was denied due to his service-connected disabilities and non-service-connected conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records, ensure compliance with VA underwriting requirements, and reassess the numerical rating.

The Veteran's entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted prior to November 3, 2016. However, the TDIU is moot due to the Veteran receiving a 100% rating from that date.