Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for coronary artery disease from April 12, 2010 to April 24, 2013 and from April 24, 2013 to May 22, 2019 are denied. The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 100 percent for coronary artery disease since May 22, 2019.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims for service connection and other benefits due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, heart condition, hypertension, and liver condition due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service exposure to petroleum smoke.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for loss of left eye, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with coronary artery disease, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (heart disability), valvular heart disease, and supraventricular arrhythmia due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and genitourinary disability have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining work since August 31, 2010. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted as of December 9, 2010.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable prior to December 17, 2019 and at a 10 percent rating thereafter. The appeal for increased ratings is REMANDED.,Service connection for the heart murmur (claimed as a heart condition) and Chiari Malformation are both REMANDED.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, a mental disorder, and various musculoskeletal conditions. However, these claims have been denied as there is no evidence to support the presence or causation of any of these conditions during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for his service-connected CAD and migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's Hodgkin’s disease and ischemic heart disease are granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents during his military service at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease required continuous medication and was productive of some complaints of angina, but did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from April 29, 2009, through May 14, 2013.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence to make a determination on the claims.

The Veteran's hypertension, erectile dysfunction, acquired psychiatric condition, coronary artery disease (CAD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded for additional medical opinions to determine if they are related to his service-connected varicose veins of the bilateral lower extremity.,Specifically, the VA will seek expert medical opinions on whether these conditions are secondary to or caused by the Veteran's service-connected varicose veins.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to January 28, 2019 were denied. The Veteran's COPD claim was reopened due to new evidence but still not granted as there is no link between the condition and his military service. His ischemic heart disease remains at a 30% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in finding that herbicide exposure could not be conceded, and requested additional records from appropriate sources.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and ischemic heart disease due to new evidence received since the last final rating decision. The Veteran's LUE peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed in September 2013, while his ischemic heart disease claim is related to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and a heart disability due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is seeking service connection for both conditions as secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that the earliest date is January 27, 2020, when the Appellant submitted a supplemental claim. The decision was based on the fact that the August 2017 denial became final and no new evidence or claims were received within one year.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) is being remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion considering recent diagnoses and the potential impact on the evaluation.

Service connection for coronary artery disease is granted. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation regarding a neurological disorder (to include Parkinson's disease), heart disability, chest disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and major depressive disorder.