Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and will address the TDIU claim after resolving the service connection issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass grafting, as secondary to a service-connected disability. The case is remanded for further development regarding an evaluation of the service-connected mitral and/or tricuspid insufficiency and for verification of any potential asbestos exposure during active duty.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 60% disability rating for service-connected coronary artery disease status-post CABG, finding that the reduction was not proper and that there is no actual change in the disability based on a review of the entire history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient development. The heart disability claim remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service manifestation or chronicity within one year after separation. The Board also found that coronary artery disease is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, lower back condition, and radiculopathies (sciatica) have been granted. A 100% disability rating has been assigned for CAD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating from April 25, 2018. The Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination records. Service connection for any heart disorder and both hand disorders are also remanded as they may be related to service-connected PTSD or other factors.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for the Veteran's atherosclerotic coronary artery disease with cardiac bypass prior to February 27, 2020. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran’s heart condition manifested in a METs level of 1-3 resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, and dizziness.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected cardiac arrhythmia is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for ocular hypertension and coronary artery disease, finding that these conditions were not incurred or caused by active service. The Veteran's current diagnoses of ocular hypertension and coronary artery disease are considered to be unrelated to his military service.

The Board has granted TDIU since October 8, 2018. The case is remanded for a determination on TDIU prior to September 8, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available.,Ischemic Heart Disease prior to February 9, 2016, and thereafter are both rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a respiratory disorder, heart disorder (claimed as heart valve replacement), diabetes mellitus, and disabilities of the upper and lower extremities. The decision found that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents, is being remanded. The VA will obtain any outstanding records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to address his diagnosed heart conditions and pacemaker, with consideration of his conceded exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's heart condition was manifested by dyspnea and fatigue at a workload of 5-7 METs, with some reports of dizziness. The Veteran underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker on May 31, 2017.,The Board granted a temporary total rating for coronary artery disease from May 31, 2017 to July 31, 2017.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including low back disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, fragment wounds to the left arm, right arm, and head, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety) and a lung condition. The denial is based on the appellant's dishonorable character of discharge from active military service.,The Board found that the appellant had two periods of AWOL in excess of 180 days during his period of active military service, which resulted in him having 1,764 days of time lost. The Board did not find compelling circumstances for the first period of AWOL.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected asbestosis. The issue of service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) claimed as related to asbestos exposure is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for the periods specified. The case is remanded to determine if an extraschedular TDIU should be granted.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a heart disability other than ischemic heart disease, and service connection for a stroke disability with residuals. The appeal is based on new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, skin condition, and sleep disorder. The decision found no current diagnosis of a heart condition and remanded the issues regarding the skin condition and sleep disorder for further development.