Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the claims for service connection for DM, CKD, and CAD due to insufficient evidence of in-service exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the VA has remanded several issues related to his health conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for scars associated with ischemic heart disease were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected surgical scar, chest associated with coronary artery disease; atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was denied for a compensable evaluation and an evaluation in excess of 60 percent. The TDIU ratings were also denied prior to June 21, 2012, and from September 1, 2012, to September 14, 2014. An effective date of September 1, 2012, was granted for Dependents’ Educations Assistance (DEA).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various symptoms, including hamstring injuries, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and a heart condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions and a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Veteran's 100% rating for coronary artery disease is restored effective May 1, 2017. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's cause of death was cerebral atherosclerosis and heart disease. The Board finds that a remand is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his cause of death, including considering articles submitted by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides while serving aboard the U.S.S. Davis (DD-937) off the coast of Vietnam.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent since December 2010.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction as these conditions are not related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents in service, and therefore is entitled to presumption based on herbicide agent exposure for ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, heart disease, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to Agent Orange while serving on the U.S.S. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR). The AOJ is instructed to attempt to ascertain if the ship sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam during the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU are met as of March 3, 2015.

The Veteran's CAD status post CABG is rated at 100 percent, effective May 13, 2020.,The Veteran's COPD is rated at 60 percent, effective July 20, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, gastroesophageal disorder, and heart disorder are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease with status post stent placement was denied as his METs level did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's CAD has been rated at 60 percent since February 26, 2018. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating based on his symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of ischemic heart disease was denied as the evidence did not show a higher level of disability.,The effective date for the award of a 60 percent rating for ischemic heart disease is set at August 29, 2017.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's coronary artery disease and its residuals of bypass surgery may be related to his military service, specifically a period of active duty from March 12, 2010 to November 3, 2011. However, due to insufficient evidence in the record, the case is being sent back for further examination.