Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss cannot be granted, and has remanded the heart condition claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is granted, with the benefit of doubt given to his condition being related to his service-connected coronary artery disease and PTSD.,Service connection for coronary artery disease is granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam. The effective date is set at January 2, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for his service-connected ischemic heart disease is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, including bicuspid heart valve, systolic murmur, coronary artery disease, and aortic stenosis. The Board found that there was no evidence of a pre-existing heart condition prior to or during service, and that any current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the claim of service connection for a heart disorder warrants reopening. The matter is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of right ear hearing loss, lung disorder, and heart disorder due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and diabetes mellitus type II, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure in the Korean DMZ or near Freedom Bridge. The Veteran's claims were based on his belief that he was exposed to herbicides due to his brothers having similar health issues.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability does not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and therefore the claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's claims for heart disability and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board requests additional VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board dismissed all requests to reopen service connection claims for various conditions due to the Veteran's representative withdrawing the appeal in August 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) has worsened, requiring a current VA examination and additional treatment records to determine the appropriate rating.

The Board has vacated the June 16, 2021 decision denying service connection for CAD, status post CABG due to a denial of due process. The case is now remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and fatigability, hypertension, heart disease, and a skin condition claimed as dermatitis, eczema, pruritis, and psoriasis due to insufficient information regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction due to inadequate examination and opinions in January/February 2017. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination and receive complete set of both direct and secondary service connection opinions, including the possibility of aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's employment history prior to October 3, 2013. The Veteran is required to provide details of his employment and any accommodations provided by his employers.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on four different conditions have been dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's heart condition, specifically his exposure to herbicides during service. A new examination is needed to determine if any diagnosed heart condition was incurred in or due to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The examiner did not consider the Veteran's reports of dizziness, wheelchair use, and nighttime urinary issues.