Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's heart disease is rated at 30 percent since October 29, 2018. The condition was previously rated as 10 percent prior to August 25, 2015 and then increased to 60 percent from August 25, 2015 to October 28, 2018.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for coronary artery disease is remanded due to unclear records regarding the presence of chronic congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted. The claims for left knee, right knee, right hip, left hip, and left leg radiculopathy are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid and polyarthritis is denied as there is no evidence of the disability during service or within one year after separation from service.,Service connection for heart disabilities, including arrhythmia and hypertension, is denied due to lack of competent medical evidence showing a current diagnosis and continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral artery disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart condition, including aortitis, finding that there is no medical evidence to support the contention that exposure to rocket fuel resulted in his diagnosed aortitis.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease and a TDIU have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the adjudication of his claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and for the effective date of special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, type two diabetes mellitus, and associated peripheral neuropathies have been granted. The claim for an acquired psychiatric condition has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and heart condition as secondary to his service-connected nasal fracture with right deviated nasal septum are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.,The Board is also reopening the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and heart attacks, but these issues will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual employability (TDIU) for the entire period of appeal.

The claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, skin rash disorder, and diabetes mellitus are reopened. The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's CAD is rated at 10 percent from September 5, 2007. The Board finds a remand necessary to determine the severity of CAD prior to March 7, 2018 and for an addendum opinion on TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete service records. The issues of service connection for heart disease, bilateral knee disorders, elbow disorders, wrist disorder, hip disorders, shin splints, and GERD are being referred back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment beginning June 22, 2016.

The Board has found that the VA examiner's opinion is based on an inaccurate factual premise and remanded for a new examination and opinion. The claims are related to aggravation of diabetes mellitus and heart condition under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus and a heart disorder due to lack of proper notification for VA examinations, and because an addendum opinion was not obtained.

The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 30 percent, and the Board has remanded for further examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted. The heart disorder and skin disorder claims are also being remanded.