Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) benefits was denied as the effective dates could not be established prior to April 6, 2020.,The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for coronary artery disease was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on his left ventricular ejection fraction of 51 percent, which is within the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Board has restored the prior 30 percent rating for ischemic heart disease, finding that the reduction from 10 to 30 percent was improper due to inadequate examinations used in the reduction.

The Veteran's heart disability, diagnosed as coronary artery disease, is remanded for clarification of his periods of active duty service and a VA medical examination to determine if it first manifested during active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial 70% rating from July 15, 2016. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for IHD and Atrial Fibrillation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, including ischemic heart disease. The evidence does not establish that the Veteran has a current disability or that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective dates for the granted benefits are not earlier than October 19, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities aggravated his heart disability. The claim will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD with anxiety and depression, coronary artery disease, and ischemic heart disease have been denied. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been granted a higher rating of 40 percent from July 9, 2006 to July 21, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD was denied as he did not file a prior claim.,Service connection for ED, hypertension, heart disability (tachycardia), and vertigo were all denied as the conditions are not related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has vacated the denial of service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, COPD, skin cancer, a back disability, and a heart disability. The Veteran's testimony at his September 2021 hearing provided evidence in support of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, liver cirrhosis, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, type II diabetes mellitus (DM), and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on account of being housebound due to an incomplete record regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The cause of death claim is also remanded.

The Board has determined that there was no substantial compliance with the remand directives and has therefore ordered further development for the claims of service connection for left knee, left shoulder, CAD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical records and unclear history, requiring additional examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction.

Service connection for liver disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, right lower extremity disorder, left lower extremity disorder, kidney disorder, and COPD was denied.,The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any relevant conditions or exposures that would support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension due to lack of evidence of herbicide exposure during service. The Board found that there was no in-service event or injury related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, entitlement to burial benefits, and entitlement to an increase in death pension due to inadequate development and lack of a proper medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, sleep apnea, and headache due to inadequate medical opinions provided in previous examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for malaria was denied, and the rating for his coronary artery disease with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, rendering the appeal moot. The Board dismissed this issue as there is no justiciable issue before it.