Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and a heart disability. The Board also denied increased ratings for his left thumb, right ring finger fracture, nose fracture, and GSW residuals.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of migraines, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and gastritis have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since February 22, 2013. The Board has granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from that date.

DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied, and the case is remanded for further evaluation of service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II and heart disease, as they are related to his service-connected hypertension. Additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for coronary artery disease are denied prior to February 8, 2020. From February 8, 2020, a higher rating is granted. A separate rating for bilateral aneurysms is granted from July 26, 2016. The Veteran's claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was caused by his service-connected ischemic heart disease, and thus granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to IHD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease prior to June 17, 2015 was denied. The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were granted a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has granted restoration of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as the original grant was improper due to incorrect exposure location, but not because of any error in the diagnosis or application of law.

The Veteran's costochondritis is granted as secondary to the service-connected fibromyalgia.,Service connection for pemphigus vulgaris is granted on a direct basis due to continuous symptoms since service.,Right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, vertigo and dizziness are all granted based on relative equipoise of evidence.,Heart disorder (claimed as a heart condition) is granted secondary to the service-connected pemphigus vulgaris.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is granted due to qualifying chronic disability under Persian Gulf criteria.,Irritable bowel syndrome and dry eye with distorted vision are both granted on a direct basis, while dry mouth is granted as a qualifying chronic disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA will obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II, as they are not related to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart condition, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability has been reopened and granted.,Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is also granted.

The Board has remanded three issues: an increased disability rating for service-connected ischemic heart disease, service connection for nerve problems in neck causing pain in right arm as secondary to service-connected IHD, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for nerve problems in neck causing pain in right arm, claimed to be the result of VA treatment.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as due to herbicide exposure, finding that the Veteran served aboard a ship within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam during his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical incapacity. The Board found that he met the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has denied an increased rating for hypertension and has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, right and left leg deep vein thrombosis, glaucoma, lung condition, face numbness, and depression. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need for medical opinions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and coronary artery disease (CAD) are granted service connection, with the latter being presumed due to herbicide exposure at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral iliac artery aneurysm, right; bilateral iliac artery aneurysm, left; carotid artery occlusive disease; infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm; and removal of spleen due to river flukes as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease. The issues of service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II (due to herbicide exposure) have been granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disability, respiratory disability, and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.