Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for an earlier effective date for his service-connected coronary artery disease and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's heart disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery disease with acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to potential relevance of evidence from a previous remand.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is moot as a result.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide agent exposure is being remanded as the records have not been verified and additional information is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to service-connected disabilities was not addressed in the March 2015 rating decision, and he raised this issue via his July 2014 VA Form 21-526. The Board found that the NOD was timely and proper as it re-raised the issue of TDIU.

The Veteran's heart disorder, including cardiovascular disease and residual heart attack with angina, is related to his military service. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for Crohn's disease and valvular heart disease with atrial flutter, finding that the evidence did not support a link to military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 28, 1980 for the award of service connection for PTSD on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a March 1981 rating decision. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further action.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of receipt of his claim. The earlier effective date for service connection for migraine headaches is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson’s disease and ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at RTAFBs in Thailand. The cause of death is also considered due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and tremors due to potential chemical exposures at Fort McClennan in 1987. The Veteran is asked to submit additional evidence and will be scheduled for an examination by a clinician to determine if his disabilities are related to the exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of shell fragment wound with skull loss was denied.,A 50 percent rating is granted for personality change due to head trauma.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 60 percent for asbestosis and TDIU prior to March 29, 2016. The case is being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hearing loss prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU effective January 3, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, including ischemic heart disease and left bundle branch block with bradycardia. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of IHD or a link to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart condition, as well as whether his heart condition was caused by VA treatment.

The Veteran's increased rating for CAD from August 11, 2006 to March 30, 2014, July 1, 2014 to October 9, 2016, and from February 1, 2017 is granted. The Veteran also receives increased ratings for hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy with specific effective dates.