Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for COPD, CAD, and hypertension are granted due to their aggravation by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.,The cause of death (septic shock due to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection) is attributed to the underlying disease (coronary atherosclerosis), which is service-connected.,Initial ratings for cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's heart disorder is not service-connected as it is attributed to a known clinical diagnosis of sinoatrial node dysfunction with implanted cardiac pacemaker, and is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's heart disorder (supraventricular tachycardia) is not related to active duty service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease, stroke with left-sided weakness, seizure disorder, left visual impairment, and left auditory impairment are not service-connected as they were either preexisting conditions or did not manifest during active duty.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and prostate cancer residuals, finding that the conditions were not linked to active service or exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his coronary artery disease with angina pectoris. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the initial rating claim.

The Veteran's heart conditions are presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, including exposure to Agent Orange. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between these conditions and his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further adjudication regarding substitution of the appellant, and will determine if the Veteran's son is eligible to continue the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment throughout the appeal period, and thus denied his claim for a TDIU.

Service connection is granted for ischemic heart disease and Parkinson's disease as due to herbicide exposure. The claim of service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to service-connected Parkinson's disease, is remanded.

The Veteran's heart disability and cardiac hypertrophy are not presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The Board has ordered a remand for an updated VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service, including diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's temporary total disability evaluation for convalescence following his April 2012 coronary bypass surgery is denied because the service-connected condition was not established at the time of the alleged convalescence.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, but has remanded the claim for a respiratory disability, including COPD. The decision is based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted service connection, while his right ear hearing loss and back disorder are denied. Service connection for type 2 diabetes, heart disorder (chest pain), stomach disorder (abdominal pain), and bilateral vision disorder (diabetic retinopathy and cataracts) is also denied.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarction with stent placement during the period prior to December 17, 2014 was granted. The Veteran's increased rating from 10 to 100 percent for coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarction with stent placement during the period beginning December 17, 2014 was also granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for coronary artery disease and a nervous condition, so the Board has dismissed these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and residuals of prostate cancer due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran contends that his conditions are related to exposure during the 1967 fire aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has determined that he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection has not been granted for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer residuals, heart disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, or skin disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum VA opinion considering new medical evidence, including a July 2020 cardiac procedure.