Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination to determine if the Veteran has IHD, any other heart disorder related to service or IHD, and whether a non-IHD heart disorder is due to or caused by the service-connected heart disability. The examiner must provide detailed opinions on these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, diagnosed as cardiomyopathy, is related to his service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post PCI/stent and myocardial infarction.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disability. However, the claim remains denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current condition and his period of service.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal before a decision was made, thus all issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed related to his in-service herbicide exposure. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death based on presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear medical opinions and missing records, particularly regarding whether the carotid artery blockage is a separate condition from coronary artery disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death and denied DIC benefits, finding that none of his service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Veteran's son, N.F., is recognized as a helpless child of the Veteran due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching age 18.,Service connection granted for ischemic heart disease (atherosclerotic heart disease) based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional information and examinations regarding his claimed conditions, particularly concerning his exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeals regarding earlier effective dates for the 100 percent rating for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), an earlier effective date for the 10 percent rating for the residual scar associated with CABG, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for persistent depressive disorder. The Board dismissed these issues as the Veteran requested to withdraw them.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a reduction in his prostate cancer rating to 60% and discontinuance of SMC at the housebound rate, but granted entitlement to Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) effective from April 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) with myocardial infarction and CABG is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for osteoarthritis, heart disability, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cerebral vascular accident, and dementia due to inextricably intertwined issues. The cause of death claim is also being remanded.

The Board has denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease, but has remanded the issue of hepatitis C. The Board also found that there is no evidence of ischemic heart disease prior to December 29, 2003.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding heart disease, left leg disability, and conjunctivitis. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board dismissed the appeals for an earlier effective date and a higher disability rating for coronary artery disease as the Appellant did not file a timely substantive appeal.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claim for service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD). The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney failure, COPD, and PTSD, to include as secondary to exposure to certain herbicide agents. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is being verified, and a VA examination will be scheduled if his presence during the applicable time period and location is confirmed.