Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Board has granted DIC benefits for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his PTSD aggravated his coronary heart disease and contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease was denied by the Board. The criteria for a higher rating were not met as the evidence did not show chronic congestive heart failure, workload of less than 7 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or cardiac hypertrophy or dilation.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied as of October 24, 2010. As of November 14, 2019, a 60% rating is granted. The Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for CAD was denied in September 1998. In March 2012, VA granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure and awarded a 30 percent rating effective April 21, 1998. The Veteran appealed this decision, and the AOJ later granted an earlier effective date of February 26, 1998. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied as his CAD did not meet criteria for higher ratings prior to June 19, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, finding that his current conditions were not incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board has determined that there was no substantial compliance with the December 2018 Board remand instructions and thus, the issues on appeal must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his service-connected heart disability and whether he requires aid and attendance or is housebound.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and requests for authorization forms.

The Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and type II diabetes mellitus have been granted as they are presumed service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is remanded due to the need for additional medical records, particularly from non-VA facilities.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides during the Veteran's time in Vietnam. The Veteran was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines and had TDY orders to Vietnam, where he installed air-ground equipment.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for ischemic heart disease. The respiratory disability claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including heart disability, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy in various extremities, and a psychiatric disorder. The primary issue is whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected PTSD or due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a heart disorder, right knee disability, and right hip disability. The case for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is also being remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for CAD was denied prior to November 30, 2012. From November 30, 2012 to August 25, 2017, the Veteran received a 60% disability rating for CAD. After that date, he received a 100% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further evaluation due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and his claimed heart disability, hypertension, and diabetes.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and type II diabetes mellitus have been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Korea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right elbow disorder, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be related to his active service. However, due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service, the claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has not made a decision on the service connection claims for hypertension and heart disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relation to active service, specifically presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The claims are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the evidence did not support a direct link to military service.