Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions and need for additional evidence, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, liver disease (to include hepatitis B), gastrointestinal disorder (to include IBS and/or Crohn's disease), low back disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, kidney disease, heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions must be remanded to obtain VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease due to the PACT Act. The Veteran's claims for neuropathy and vision impairment related to these conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at housebound rate is being remanded. The motion to reverse or revise the July 2014 rating decision regarding SMC levels due to CUE is dismissed as the decision is not final.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of mixed anxiety depressive disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection of coronary artery disease and hypertension are granted, but the VA finds new evidence does not meet materiality criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess METs levels and provide a detailed rationale.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's heart condition is related to his presumed in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's heart disability is not considered to be caused by VA treatment, and the Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of additional disability resulting from VA care.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and service connection for peripheral neuropathy, upper extremities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to February 3, 2011, but remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition due to new and relevant evidence submitted after the January 1987 denial. The claims for shortness of breath, prostate condition, and sleep apnea are remanded as VA examinations are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of July 3, 2019. An effective date of July 3, 2019 is granted for the award of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease prior to August 29, 2019 was denied. A separate issue of entitlement to an initial 10 percent rating for his anterior chest scar (CABG) was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and CAD are currently rated at 50% and 30%, respectively, and the Board denied higher ratings. The Veteran was granted a TDIU from March 27, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been granted. The claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound due to a heart disorder, which may be related to asbestos exposure during active duty. A medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disability, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The issues are related to exposure to hazardous materials while stationed at Fort McClellan.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease was restored from 10% to 30%, effective October 1, 2013. The VA also granted restoration of his dependent spouse's VA disability compensation allowance, effective October 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the failure of VA to obtain updated treatment records from May 19, 2020 and June 8, 2020.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD. The claim for headaches is reopened, but remains in remand status due to insufficient VA opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral artery disease and entitlement to a total disability evaluation due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as they are inextricably intertwined. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PAD is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.