Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass graft has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to incomplete VA treatment records and a lack of VA examination in connection with these claims.

The Veteran's GERD and coronary artery disease (CAD) are both being remanded for further evaluation. The GERD requires a new VA examination to assess its severity, while the CAD needs an examination to determine if it is service-connected or aggravated by GERD.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are granted as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The left foot condition, bilateral hallux valgus, and left ankle condition are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for CAD, beginning October 8, 2020, is denied.,Other claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus due to failure of the VA Regional Office to substantially comply with previous remands. The claims are now being reviewed again.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board remands the cases for bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease (due to herbicide exposure), and hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support the Veteran's contention of in-service herbicide exposure and there was no probative medical opinion linking his current IHD to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart condition and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities such as respiratory/pulmonary disability, heart disability (coronary artery disease), hypertension, circulatory disability, skin condition (solar lentigo), sleep apnea, allergies, general arthralgia, right eye disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues have been remanded due to inadequate record and need for additional development.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease, which are presumed due to his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, were found to be a contributory cause of his death from acute diastolic heart failure. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in calculating the overpayment of pension benefits and the validity of the debt. The Veteran needs to provide additional information about his medical expenses, particularly related to assisted living costs for housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to a duty to assist error. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder, coronary artery disease (CAD), and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The CAD rating has been increased to 60 percent effective October 10, 2020, for the period prior to that date, and a 50 percent rating is assigned for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and arrhythmia, finding no current disability of ischemic heart disease and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current diagnoses and service.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to hypertension, which was incurred in service and contributed substantially to his death from hypertensive heart disease with underlying chronic renal failure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and its complications, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a stroke, heart disorder, and diabetes mellitus due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Okinawa.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be decided, and thus remands are issued for further action.