Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied, and the case is remanded.,Service connection claims for generalized anxiety disorder and persistent depressive disorder dysthymia are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease with valvular and hypertensive heart disease is remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2021 VA examination.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for IHD is denied, and the case is remanded due to issues with service connection for OSA. The TDIU claim prior to April 24, 2017 remains on appeal.

The Board has withdrawn the appeals for headaches and heart disability. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, bilateral eye glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, kidney calculi, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and depression are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including knee disorders and other health issues. The remand requires obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions and whether they are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between in-service asbestos exposure and the Veteran's cause of death, which includes COPD, aortic and mitral valve replacement, and coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining records from Dr. Lynch and providing an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's heart disorder.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for hyperthermia and residuals, anhidrosis, a heart disorder, and a skin disorder due to the Veteran's death.

Service connection for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus has been granted. Service connection for panic disorder with agoraphobia was granted at a 70% rating prior to January 7, 2019, but denied thereafter.,The Veteran's TDIU claim related to his service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia is also pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder and hip disabilities have been reopened due to new and material evidence. However, further examination is needed as the current medical opinions are inadequate.,VA examinations are required for increased ratings of CAD, residual CABG scar, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral hand disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. A 10% disability rating is assigned for bilateral hearing loss effective May 23, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for throat condition, acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD), and heart condition due to incomplete information regarding his National Guard service and potential SSA records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of CAD and acknowledges his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, leading to a grant of service connection. However, the issue of service connection for a stroke, including as secondary to CAD, is remanded due to inadequate opinions from VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a duty to assist error in prior rating decisions, and requests that new evidence be provided for service connection claims.

The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure during the Veteran's service at Ubon and Korat RTAFBs in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to a duty to assist error. He needs an examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was granted as his VA Form 9 was submitted in a timely manner, despite the initial mailing of the SOC to an old address. The issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various conditions were addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted an effective date of August 29, 2019 for the award of a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarction.,The Veteran's eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was also granted with an effective date of August 29, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder.