Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart and liver disabilities due to exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. Additional development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of his disabilities and verifying his claimed exposure to hazardous chemicals as an automotive mechanic.

The Board denied a claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected coronary artery disease from July 14, 2009. The Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his METs level and echocardiogram results.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ischemic heart disease due to Agent Orange exposure are denied. The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for residuals of prostate cancer is granted. The claim for service connection for three aneurysms is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU. Prior to January 23, 2012, the Veteran was granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran’s cause of death to a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's initial rating for CAD prior to December 23, 2019 is denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7005. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for asthma, hypertension, diminished vision, and heart condition due to incomplete development and insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to an extraschedular rating for left ear hearing loss as moot due to the Veteran's receipt of a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) during the entire period on appeal. The issue of service connection for residuals of a stroke is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's request to restore a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine disability from November 27, 2013 was granted. The effective date of this restoration is April 9, 2013.