Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease have been granted. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to new evidence indicating a possible link with herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's lung cancer residuals are rated at a compensable level of 30 percent from March 18, 2019 to November 14, 2019 and at a higher level thereafter.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated at 60 percent since August 2019. The RO found that the most accurate measure was FEV-1/FVC of 101%.,The Veteran's diabetes is rated at 20 percent, which does not meet his claim for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes, Parkinson's Disease and parkinsonism, ischemic heart disease (including CAD and angina), bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, cirrhosis, macular degeneration, vitiligo, and a heart disability, other than ischemic heart disease have all been granted.,SMC based on the need for aid and attendance has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disease and lower extremity disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is able to dress himself, keep himself clean, feed himself, attend to his needs, and leave his home. The Board denied entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The case is being remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted. The housebound claim is dismissed due to the grant of SMC by reason of regular need for aid and attendance. The claims for increased evaluations for coronary artery disease and left knee arthroscopy are remanded.

The Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct, and he met the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 by having a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for at least one year immediately preceding his death.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and the initial disability evaluation in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide agent exposure is granted on a presumptive basis.,Service connection for lung cancer is denied as not related to herbicide agent exposure.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an additional heart disability because the evidence did not show that VA's failure to provide prompt treatment resulted in permanent additional disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disability and transient ischemic attacks, which may be related to her service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits prior to the effective dates of his TDIU award is denied as he did not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) or DEA eligibility based on permanent total service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, nor did they cause him to be permanently housebound or at the housebound rate prior to February 8, 2017; or from June 1, 2017, to December 22, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment from October 20, 2004, to April 7, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during service and that his conditions are not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty about the precise location of the U.S.S. Walke while the Veteran was aboard, as this could affect whether the Veteran is presumed exposed to herbicides and thus eligible for service connection for ischemic heart disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, headaches, and coronary artery disease. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea. The heart disability claim is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart conditions, right shoulder disability, and left knee disabilities. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability and coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction, finding that the current conditions did not manifest during or within a presumptive period following service.