Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was rated at 60% from December 1, 2006 to August 13, 2015. He also received a total disability rating due to individual unemployability since December 1, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an initial disability rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a nexus between the Veteran’s current conditions and his military service, particularly regarding noise exposure.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and earlier effective dates, including for her heart condition, left shoulder conditions, elbow conditions, and limitation of motion in her elbows. The specific nature of these issues is not provided.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's heart condition may have existed prior to his enlistment and could be aggravated by service, but more evidence is needed to determine if this is true.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery atherosclerosis, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated during active duty service and is not related to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues related to service connection for a heart disorder, verification of service in Vietnam, and nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder. The decision is not final until further action is taken.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding entitlement to service connection for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG x3) with ischemic heart disease and kidney disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure during active duty and thus denying presumptive service connection. The claim was also denied on a direct basis due to lack of in-service diagnosis or injury.

The Board has denied service connection for respiratory disability due to lack of evidence. The claims for PTSD, cardiovascular disabilities, and type II diabetes mellitus are remanded as there is insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or other potential stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and the Board found that this rating adequately compensates him for his condition. The evidence did not show chronic congestive heart failure or an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Service connection for skin cancer due to herbicide exposure is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The restoration of a 20 percent rating for hypertension was granted, but the claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The appeals for increased disability ratings for diabetic nephropathy, coronary artery disease, hearing loss, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and macular edema are dismissed. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include anxiety, depression, and PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and nonobstructive CAD claims are remanded for further action, including obtaining outstanding treatment records from the Trenton Vet Center.

The Board granted a higher rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's coronary artery disease, finding that his disability picture more closely approximates this level of severity based on documented symptoms and medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his heart disability, hypertension, knee disabilities, and TDIU prior to June 1, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding no link between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and his coronary artery disease myocardial infarction associated with herbicide exposure warrants a 30 percent rating. His diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction associated with herbicide exposure remains at 20 percent.,Both the Veteran’s coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus require regulation of activities to manage their effects, but neither warrant an increased rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and the relationship between his service-connected psychiatric condition and his heart, hypertension, and stroke disabilities.