Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection was granted for neuropathy of the left upper extremity and sarcoidosis, both found to be related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction with atrial fibrillation and bilateral atrial dilatation was denied as the evidence did not show entitlement prior to February 10, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, renal artery stenosis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (heart disease), and PTSD are denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are remanded. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's heart disability is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, as well as whether it is aggravated by any other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for a heart condition, as it requires an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's heart condition and his presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The current VA examination report is deemed inadequate in this regard.

The Board has granted service connection for porphyria cutanea tarda, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease due to presumed exposure to herbicides during active service. The claim was reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for a new examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his death from pancreatic cancer.

The Board has determined that an additional medical opinion is needed to determine whether there is a nexus between the Veteran’s causes of death and his service-connected disabilities. The cause of death claim could directly impact the DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, pre-skin cancer/cancer, heart condition, and tonsillitis are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% after December 7, 2016. The initial rating for PTSD prior to that date and the initial rating for CAD remain denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) because the Veteran did not file a claim prior to May 2014, and the earliest possible effective date was assigned.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and heart condition, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for OSA disability. The issues are related to secondary service connection due to pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's request to reopen a claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied. Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is also denied, as the evidence does not establish that it is related to his military service or herbicide exposure. The claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder disability and residuals of bilateral leg injury are remanded for further examination. The rating for low back disability and radiculopathy of both lower extremities are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and prostate cancer have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the diseases are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease, including whether these conditions are related to service, particularly exposure to herbicide agents. The cause of death is being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 10, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is dismissed. The claim for service connection for a right foot condition and a left foot condition was previously denied by a January 2009 rating decision; the Veteran did not appeal the decision and documentation constituting new and material evidence was not actually or constructively received within the one-year appeal period. New and material evidence having been received, reopening of the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability is granted. The issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (previously ischemic heart disease) and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, hypertension, vision loss, and lower back disability due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,VA also determined that the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for entitlement to an increased evaluation in excess of 0 percent for erectile dysfunction due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The heart disability and sleep apnea claims have been denied as there is no evidence showing a current diagnosis or service connection, respectively. The eczema claim was remanded with no new rating assigned.