Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease and no exposure to herbicide agents. The opinion provided by the VA examiner supported this conclusion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a stroke associated with herbicide exposure or ischemic heart disease status post coronary artery bypass graft, finding that there is no evidence to support such a link and that his stroke is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and need for further development, including verification of reserve service and obtaining private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examinations and outstanding records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities, including lumbar spine, knee, heart, and sleep disorders, which he asserts are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the effective dates are set to the date of receipt of the claim. The rating for gastroesophageal ulcer disease has also been increased.

The Board has vacated its previous decisions and remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, and erectile dysfunction are related to herbicide exposure or caused by prostate cancer.

The Veteran's increased ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity have been denied. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further adjudication due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection and causality.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current nature and etiology of any heart disorders, including atrial fibrillation. A new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability has at most manifested in dyspnea and an ejection fraction of no less than 55 percent. The Board denied the claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 9, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since October 23, 2018. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including a cardiac disorder and diabetes mellitus type II, due to exposure to herbicide agents. The issues are related as they all involve secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected heart disability and the need for additional VA VistA images.

The Board has denied service connection for anxiety due to lack of evidence showing a current disability. The heart condition issue is remanded as the nature and etiology need further clarification.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for a rating increase and TDIU determination. The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is being reviewed again, and his VA treatment records need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and diabetes mellitus have been reopened. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims, but further examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, finding that it did not manifest during service and is unrelated to his service-connected major depressive disorder with associated anxiety.

The Veteran seeks TDIU prior to January 3, 2018. The Board previously remanded the case for a referral to the Chief Benefits Director or the Director of Compensation Service regarding whether TDIU on an extraschedular basis was warranted. The claim is being remanded again due to failure to substantially complete the remand directives.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion to address all diagnosed heart disabilities and their relationship to service. The Veteran's lay testimony of in-service onset of symptoms with continuity since service is also considered.

The Board has granted service connection for dementia, vertigo (lightheadedness/dizziness), migraines, and abdominal scar. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, bilateral bunionectomies, gout, hypothyroidism, heart disease, hypertension, left hand arthritis, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and lumbar spine disability are denied as not related to service.