Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip osteoarthritis due to insufficient evidence in the May 2021 VA examiner's opinion.,Service connection is not granted for a heart disorder (chest pains) or hypertension as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded all of the Veteran's claims due to new VA medical records being associated with his case and not reviewed by the AOJ. The Veteran was given a chance to respond, but did not do so.

The Veteran is granted a 100% rating for his coronary artery disease from March 16, 2010 to June 16, 2010. A higher initial rating of over 10% for CAD prior to January 12, 2017 is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and other service-connected conditions have not met the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his overall disability picture, which does not meet the specific eligibility requirements.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, prostate cancer, and a heart condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to schedular eligibility for the period prior to July 26, 2010 is denied. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to their combined evaluation of 30 percent. The appeal for secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and low back condition are remanded.

The Veteran's heart disorder is rated at 60% from June 23, 2017 to September 9, 2020. The appeal for higher ratings prior to this period and for TDIU prior to September 10, 2020 remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining an addendum VA medical opinion and scheduling a VA examination to assess his diagnosed conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and arthritis, but the evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension. The appeal is also granted in part, as the Veteran's coronary artery disease is now service-connected. However, the issue of whether hypertension is secondary to coronary artery disease remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, lung disability (asbestosis), and fatigue due to potential exposure to asbestos during service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. The decision found that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service or in-service exposure to herbicides.,Service connection was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current condition is related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed. The appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for the post-operative right shoulder recurrent dislocation with limitation of motion and mild weakness is dismissed. The appeals for service connection and increased ratings for ischemic heart disease, dermatitis, carpal tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily his coronary artery disease and PTSD, do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of opinions regarding service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and a heart condition secondary to sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are not currently granted as there is no competent evidence linking them to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for laryngeal cancer post treatment and coronary artery disease with triple bypass, both due to exposure to herbicide agents, have been dismissed as the appeal is no longer valid due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a low back disability, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus secondary to CAD, chronic fatigue and joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins due to inadequate examination, requiring a new evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, cerebral vascular accident (CVA), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, left shoulder arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since February 22, 2016. The Board finds that the combined effect of these disabilities has precluded his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, headache disability, and tinnitus due to potential errors in adjudication. The claims are being returned for further development and consideration.