Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's coronary artery disease, hypertension, and osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, variously diagnosed as hypertension, congestive heart failure, supraventricular arrhythmia, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and implanted automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD), attributing it to herbicide exposure in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim is also remanded for an examination to determine his current lumbar spine condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease contributed to his death from a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. The cause of death is therefore considered service connected.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of VA examination, and requests a new one from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including coronary artery disease (CAD), finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current diagnosis and his military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current heart conditions and his active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis and coronary artery disease (CAD) as there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 3, 2011. The Board granted TDIU based on the combined impact of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a medical diagnosis of ischemic heart disease prior to November 7, 2001. The Veteran's SSA disability benefits need to be reviewed and relevant VA records should be requested.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease prior to August 8, 2012 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with anxiety, low back strain with L-5 spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are denied. The claim to reopen entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and hearing loss were denied, while the claim for residuals of a right hip injury was remanded. The PTSD with major depressive disorder claim was also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and polycystic kidney disease, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including renal disease with hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, have resulted in a combined rating of at least 80 percent since May 2011, and currently 90 percent. The Board has granted TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial rating for valvular heart disease with history of murmur is being remanded due to the lack of an echocardiogram performed during his September 2019 VA examination. The AOJ must seek clarification on whether this exam included an echocardiogram and request any missing records from Evergreen Health Heart & Vascular Center.