Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating was denied multiple times, with the most recent denial being for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease with a history of myocardial infarction from December 1, 2011 to October 27, 2014 and from January 1, 2015 to June 15, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and a TDIU is granted. The issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss on an extraschedular basis is remanded.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease is granted at a 60 percent rating. The Veteran's PTSD with cannabis dependence and alcohol abuse is also granted an initial 100 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease, status post stenting and coronary artery bypass graft, prior to July 18, 2012, is denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to lack of informed decision-making on service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a heart disorder. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is an issue.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. The bladder cancer claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's heart disorder, myocardial infraction, and chronic kidney disease and his service, particularly given the conceded herbicide agent exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a vision disorder, heart disorder (claimed as due to herbicide exposure), and recurrent tick bite residuals. The Board found no current disability related to these conditions and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's assertions.

The Veteran's pes planus symptoms are currently rated as moderate, and his CAD is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board has found the evidence insufficient to grant higher ratings for both conditions and has remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found no new and material evidence to reopen them. The effective dates for grants of service connection or increased ratings were also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease and sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence showing that a service-connected disability caused or contributed to the Veteran's death. The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease did not contribute substantially to his death, and that PTSD alone could not have caused sudden cardiac arrest.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's heart disability, including his service connection for heart failure and ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the heart disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims for service connection are also being remanded.

The Board has previously remanded the issue of service connection for heart disease, to include coronary artery disease. The case is being returned for further development and verification regarding the Veteran's alleged service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence that his current condition began during or as a result of active service.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease were denied as they did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents and/or fuel for arteriosclerotic heart disease, hypertensive vascular disease, chronic renal disease, and type II diabetes mellitus. The VA is instructed to contact the JSRRC to determine if herbicides were used in Okinawa, Japan (particularly at Kadena Air Base) during the relevant time period.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his hypertension and coronary artery disease, which led to his death.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for coronary artery disease has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's 30% rating for coronary artery disease was reduced to 10%, effective February 1, 2016. The Board has restored the 30% rating from that date.