Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding medical questions and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his combined rating is at least 70%.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disorder, to include mitral valve disease due to incomplete development of the record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, including coronary artery disease and aortic insufficiency, is service-connected as it is not congenital in nature and was aggravated by his active-duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and effective dates for the PTSD and TDIU ratings.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied as the evidence does not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, exhibit a METs level of 5 or less, or have an ejection fraction of 50 percent or less.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues related to his acquired psychiatric disorder, migraine headaches secondary to PTSD, heart disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and further development is required. The issues include cysts on both kidneys, left hip condition (including radiculopathy), nasal condition (including obstructive sleep apnea), and heart condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for a heart disability has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran had active service in Vietnam and was exposed to herbicide agents during his service. As a result, he is presumed to have been exposed to an herbicide agent and thus meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for a schedular rating in excess of 100 percent for CAD and entitlement to a TDIU rating were dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and hypertension due to inadequate nexus opinions provided by VA clinicians. The clinician's opinions were found to be insufficient, particularly regarding the relationship between alcohol abuse and the Veteran's cardiovascular conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current coronary artery disease is at least as likely as not related to his service, including due to an irregular heartbeat noted during service. As a result, the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease, which contributed to his death, began during his active service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied, and a higher evaluation or TDIU from May 13, 1991 to May 12, 2010 is granted. The earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits remains on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease was denied, and the issue of TDIU from May 13, 1991 to May 12, 2010 is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease due to exposure to herbicides. The VA failed to research the Veteran's exposure during his service at Udorn RTAFB from March 11, 1975 to January 10, 1976.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted for hypothyroidism, TBI residuals, headaches secondary to TBI, nystagmus secondary to TBI, vertigo secondary to TBI, lower back strain, and broken teeth. The claim for service connection for anemia is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for heart disease with jugular venous distention, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to herbicide exposure is granted. The claim of service connection for PTSD is remanded, as are the issues regarding a TDIU.