Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for a restoration of the 60 percent evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD) has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for CAD and service connection for sleep apnea due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of entitlement to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's service in Korea ended before the period when herbicide exposure is presumed, but he can still prove exposure on a facts-found basis. The VA will seek verification of his claimed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has been rated at 10 percent since December 28, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his LVEF was only 67% and he had an interview-based METs of 7 to 10, which does not meet the requirements for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7005.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 40 percent and not higher.,Prior to August 1, 2016, the Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) was rated at 60 percent and not higher.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected disabilities, including Ischemic Heart Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, and Pulmonary Hypertension.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 50%, is now rated at 60% from June 3, 2010.

The appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is dismissed. The issues of polycythemia, heart disability, back disability (including arthritis due to trauma and degenerative arthritis), and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the validity of his notice of disagreement (NOD) for a 2015 rating decision, and the Board dismissed the case as moot due to another recent RO decision.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's ischemic heart disease (IHD) from March 10, 2011 to October 8, 2013 due to evidence showing only mild symptoms and stable condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including an anxiety disorder, is related to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy. Service connection for coronary artery disease was granted with effective date of August 26, 1987. The rating for coronary artery disease from February 25, 2003 to July 28, 2010 was increased to 60 percent.

The Board has dismissed the claim of entitlement to a disability rating greater than 20 percent prior to April 9, 2019, and greater than 40 percent thereafter, for a lumbosacral spine disability. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (to include anxiety and depression) and for a cardiac disability.

The Board denied service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and type II diabetes mellitus as due to exposure to herbicides, as there is no evidence of such exposure on Okinawa.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disability has been dismissed because the Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal in January 2021.

The Veteran was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, which prevented him from performing tasks involving frequent standing or walking. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease are related to his active duty service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions. The issues of service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and lumbar spine disorder have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left wrist disability, headaches, hypertension, and heart disability due to insufficient medical opinions provided by the July 2013 VA examiner. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service injuries and symptoms are not addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to August 17, 2013, and in excess of 60 percent thereafter. The Board denied both an increased rating and TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.