Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart condition and asthma, finding that there is no evidence to support these claims. The Board determined that the Veteran did not have a current heart condition or asthma at any time during his appeal period. For asthma, the Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that it preexisted service and was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected ischemic heart disease is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2016 VA examination, which did not include an exercise stress test.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, hypertension with cardiomyopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted. The Veteran is also entitled to SMC at the housebound rate due to his multiple service-connected disabilities. Service connection for a right eye cataract remains pending.

The Board has dismissed all the appeals for service connection as the Veteran passed away before a final decision could be made.

The Veteran's temporary total evaluation for treatment of a service-connected condition requiring convalescence or hospitalization is denied because his post-surgical residuals did not meet the severity requirements of the regulation.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disorder, finding that the Veteran's high cholesterol in service is a hereditary disease and may have caused his current heart disability. The decision also acknowledges the significant family history of atherosclerosis.

The Veteran's death due to cardiac arrest is not found to be related to or otherwise attributable to his military service, including as due to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is also denied.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, heart disease, and hypertension. The appeals seeking increased ratings and compensation were also dismissed.

The Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct, and he was receiving compensation for a service-connected disability at the time of his death. However, he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 as he was not continuously rated as totally disabled for ten years immediately preceding his death.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a heart condition originally claimed as ischemic heart disease.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, Type II are related to his military service, specifically exposure to Agent Orange. The claims are being remanded for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, render him unemployable. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU have been met and grants the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid cancer due to alleged exposure to herbicide agents during his service in the Panama Canal Zone. The Board requested verification of such exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was reopened due to new evidence showing a possible link between his hypertension and the condition. The Board found that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease is caused by his service-connected hypertension, thus granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the remand is necessary due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension. The claims for heart disease, residuals of a CVA, and PAD are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the hypertension claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and right ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and coronary artery disease are remanded for further development regarding potential herbicide exposure. DIC and burial benefits claims are also remanded due to their dependency on the service connection decisions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for coronary artery disease has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes, finding that the Veteran did not have these conditions during or within a year after his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of PTSD, ischemic optic neuropathy, coronary artery disease, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have been dismissed as withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an anxiety disorder has also been dismissed as withdrawn.,Beginning May 18, 2018, the Veteran is in receipt of a total schedular rating due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to TDIU beginning May 18, 2018, was dismissed as moot.