Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart condition is etiologically related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, specifically the January 2016 back surgery. As a result, the claim for secondary service connection for a heart condition is granted.

The Veteran's IHD was not manifested by more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; workload greater than 3 METs but no greater than 5 METs; or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30 to 50 percent from July 1, 2001, to April 29, 2003.,The Veteran's IHD was not manifested by more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; workload greater than 3 METs but no greater than 5 METs; or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30 to 50 percent from November 1, 2003, to February 22, 2010.,The Veteran's IHD was not manifested by more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; workload greater than 3 METs but no greater than 5 METs; or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30 to 50 percent from February 23, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a temporary total evaluation for stroke associated with diabetes mellitus type II and service connection for a heart disability, to include valvular heart disease, as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The decision found that there was no evidence of a causal relationship between the service-connected diabetes and the Veteran's heart disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and diabetes mellitus, type II (DM II) have been granted.,Service connection is established for IHD and DM II based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and arteriosclerotic heart disease as due to herbicide exposure based on the Veteran's nautical service in offshore eligible waters. The claims are now considered substantiated.

The claim for service connection for a heart condition was reopened, and the Veteran's current heart conditions are not considered to be related to his military service. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is set at September 14, 2017. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy was granted. The appeal regarding the initial rating for PTSD has been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to inadequate opinions regarding their relationship to hypertension. The Veteran's representative requested withdrawal from representation.

The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU prior to July 2, 2016 due to unclear employment history. The Veteran needs to clarify his employment timeline prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA cardiac examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) status post myocardial infarction. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the increased rating claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 2, 2013 on an extraschedular basis due to insufficient evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to scheduling a medical examination while the Veteran was incarcerated, and failure to document efforts to conduct a phone interview.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis, was not shown to be related to his military service.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not considered related to his military service.,The Veteran's heart disease, including coronary artery disease, is not considered related to his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's heart condition, characterized by a 'racing heartbeat,' is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected Meniere's disease. The decision also notes that further examination and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric condition related to his Meniere's disease.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of a heart condition due to incomplete medical records and the need for an updated VA opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for a retrospective opinion on the severity of the Veteran's CAD disability prior to March 5, 2010. The examiner is asked to provide estimates of the workload METs that would have resulted in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope for the Veteran during this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The Veteran's claim for a back disorder is reopened, but further development is needed as there are still unresolved issues regarding the nature of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him sufficiently helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, but do not require him to remain in bed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and additional development is required.