Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected cardiovascular disabilities, as they do not prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for arteriosclerotic heart disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in any year prior to March 24, 2016, and since then, his disability picture most nearly approximates the criteria for a 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease was denied as it did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. The Board has ordered remand on issues related to substitution and entitlement to TDIU and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has ordered a new VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's symptoms prior to September 15, 2006 were manifestations of his current diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims, including exposure to toxic chemicals at Fort McClellan and a VA-contracted examination for his heart disability. The issues of service connection are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects, due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms during and after service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and its potential impact on his health conditions, including hypertension.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an effective date prior to December 13, 2013 for service connection and entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for Ischemic Heart Disease.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to service due to exposure to herbicide agents during his naval service in the Republic of Vietnam. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for right upper extremity polyneuropathy with right ulnar neuropathy and TDIU due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so a new decision is required on all matters.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations of his coronary artery disease was denied. For the period from February 8, 2016 to October 14, 2020, he received a 10% evaluation and for the period from October 14, 2020 forward, he received a 30% evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder. The claim will be re-adjudicated after obtaining a new VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, CAD with myocardial infarction, T-cell lymphoma, diverticulosis, and skin disability to include sebaceous hyperplasia, actinic keratosis, rosacea and seborrheic keratosis due to exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Okinawa.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on four different conditions were dismissed due to his death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease have been granted. The Board has also remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease (CAD), and Parkinson's Disease are granted as they are presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded four claims: service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, cancer of the pancreas and polyneuropathy of the right and left lower extremity. The RO must issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a heart condition, finding no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.,For the compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss, the Board found that the Veteran's current hearing acuity did not warrant such a rating based on the results from the most recent VA examination.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.