Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) is dismissed as he has been granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.,SMC benefits are granted, effective August 1, 2012, due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities requiring regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to outstanding private treatment records. The issues of rating coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction residuals, as well as TDIU, will be reconsidered after obtaining the requested authorization.

The Veteran's heart disability was rated at 30% prior to April 20, 2022 and at 60% thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under either Diagnostic Code 7005.

The Veteran's CAD disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to April 28, 2014.,The Veteran's CAD disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating from April 28, 2014 to February 3, 2015.,The Veteran's CAD disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating from February 3, 2015 to October 8, 2020.,The Veteran is currently in receipt of TDIU for the period from March 20, 2014 onward. The Board finds that this claim must be remanded to obtain a retrospective opinion regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to March 20, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU and established basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is currently rated at various levels, and he asserts entitlement to a higher rating. The Board has also remanded for further examination regarding psychiatric and gastrointestinal issues related to his IHD.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been denied. The Board found that the current noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is correct, and a higher disability rating for CAD status-post myocardial infarction is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and coronary heart disease, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. As these conditions are presumptively due to such exposure, the claim is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for COPD, heart disability, and kidney cancer. The issues of service connection for a heart disability due to hypertension and for kidney cancer are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for aortic stenosis and remanded the issues of service connection for atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease calcification, and dilated left atrium. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is found to aggravate his diagnosed nonrheumatic aortic stenosis.

The appeals for service connection and rating of the Veteran's conditions have been dismissed. A 70 percent rating is granted for PTSD from May 23, 2012, and a TDIU rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and stent placement. The issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent and TDIU are also being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for chronic kidney disease due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is presumed, but not all diseases are listed as presumptively related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to determine if service connection should be granted for COPD and Ischemic Heart Disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for coronary artery disease, hypertension, right leg condition, left leg condition, lower back condition, and psychiatric condition due to outstanding VA treatment records.

Service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include coronary atherosclerosis, is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agent during service in Korea. The Veteran's skin cancer and hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD, and a dental disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities for the entire appeal period.

The Board has decided the case is not ready for final decision and requires further development to determine if the Veteran's heart disability, including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and trace mitral regurgitation, was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his PTSD did not contribute to his death and that another significant condition (hypertensive heart disease) was the primary cause. The appeal is dismissed as it does not involve a claim related to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War Syndrome, or the PACT Act.