Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The appeal for service connection of a heart disability, including ischemic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed as the appellant is deceased.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied as there is no probative evidence linking the condition to his military service. The rating for traumatic dislocation of big toe, second toe, and third toe of the left foot with apparent arthritis, ganglion cyst, hallux rigidus, and tailor's bunion, effective October 27, 2014, is granted at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of cholecystectomy, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease were denied. The effective dates for the awards of service connection for these conditions were also denied.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD) from August 29, 2011 through April 22, 2018 was granted at a 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for prostate cancer and TDIU was denied. The prostate cancer residuals are rated at 60 percent, the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional records, including from service in locations exposed to herbicides. The Veteran's conditions are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to April 29, 2019 is granted at 30 percent. Ratings in excess of 30 and 60 percent are denied from April 29, 2019 to August 19, 2021 and after that date respectively.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for amyloidosis, a rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease (CAD), and entitlement to TDIU prior to May 17, 2017 due to inadequate VA opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The appeal of this issue is granted. TDIU remains remanded as it may be impacted by the new combined ratings and/or effective dates resulting from the grant of service connection.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a heart disorder, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence. The claims are remanded for further development regarding exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for secondary service connection to his bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the complexity and need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for the heart disabilities of rheumatic heart disease with mitral stenosis and percutaneous valve replacement, finding that these conditions are present since the Veteran's active service.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease, but denied a higher rating. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine the current diagnoses and etiology of the Veteran's claimed heart disorder and lung disorders (claimed as chest infections, to include pneumonia and bronchitis).

The Veteran's heart disability, including ischemic heart disease, and stroke are denied as service connection is not established due to lack of evidence showing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals of service connection for obesity, bilateral flatfeet, and a rating higher than 0 percent for his scar. The claims were withdrawn by the Veteran at his hearing. Service connection was denied for psychiatric disorder (including bipolar disorder), heart condition, and lung condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not found to be service-connected.,Ischemic heart disease was rated at 10 percent prior to September 29, 2015, but a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 60% rating for coronary artery disease is granted. A higher rating for CAD is denied, and the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various foot disabilities, sterility, kidney cysts, and a left varicocele disability have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death.