Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claims for inguinal hernia, right shoulder disorder, eye disorder, heart disorder, gastrointestinal disorder (including GERD, hiatal hernia, esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and chronic gastritis/duodenitis), and low back disorder. The Board has also remanded these issues to obtain additional evidence and for further examination.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is rated at a 60 percent prior to October 5, 2018 and a 100 percent thereafter. The decision grants the higher rating of 100 percent effective October 5, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a cardiovascular disability and psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran's service records do not indicate he served within the territorial sea of Vietnam while aboard his ships. Further evaluation is needed to determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding METs levels during the period from March 5, 2007 to April 13, 2010.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has been rated at 60 percent since October 1, 2012. The Board found that his condition does not warrant a higher rating as it did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent or any other higher rating based on METs level.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide agent exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease contributed to his death, and the Board has granted service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection is granted for DMII, but other issues remain pending as they are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is remanded due to the inadequacy of the July 2014 VA examination and the need for a new one with a cardiologist.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected CAD was denied prior to November 5, 2014. From November 5, 2014 onward, the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was also denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and acquired psychiatric disorder have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus granting TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is denied as not related to service.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating under current regulations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's COPD, bladder cancer, or heart condition are related to his military service. The claims will be reviewed based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension and heart disorder were not incurred or caused by service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions (COPD and coronary artery disease) rendered him disabled to the extent that he required regular aid and assistance from another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, status-post coronary artery bypass grafting and stent placement was granted with an effective date of March 28, 2003. The Board found that there were no prior claims or informal claims for this condition before the grant of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, which could have contributed to his death. The VA is instructed to obtain additional treatment records from the 1980s and request an addendum opinion from a medical examiner.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient examination findings and conflicting information regarding functional loss.