Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial rating for ischemic heart disease is denied as the evidence does not show symptoms at a workload of 5.0 METs or less, left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction greater than 50 percent, or episodes of congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and right femoral epicondyle fracture residuals) rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 12, 2019. As a result, the Board granted TDIU for this period.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability and gastroesophageal disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not manifest in or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, chronic liver disease with kidney failure, and a heart disorder due to inadequate medical opinions. Additional development is needed to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition (including arrhythmia) as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Korea, which may affect the outcome of these cases.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examinations. The effective date of service connection remains August 25, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and non-small cell lung cancer due to exposure to herbicide agents. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for basal cell carcinoma, tremors, and a left eye disability are remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection of coronary artery disease has been granted, but the VA is remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted based on his METs level and medication requirements.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for scar, status post coronary artery disease and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease have both been denied by the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service, which could affect his claim for service connection for the cause of his death. The appellant is asked to provide any relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and heart disability rendered him unable to secure and maintain a substantially gainful occupation from September 28, 2005, to May 28, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents and to determine if service connection can be established for heart disability and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure or in-service injury/disease leading to these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease, which is presumed due to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam, has been granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and cardiovascular disability were denied service connection. The Veteran was granted a 70% initial rating for his psychiatric disability prior to May 22, 2020.,TDIU benefits were also granted prior to May 22, 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to March 25, 2014. The decision found that the Veteran was not precluded from securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's heart condition, including whether his congenital defect or disease resulted in additional disability due to exposure to tactical herbicide agents or service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical records and failure to consider the Appellant's contentions regarding the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure and his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertensive heart disease as secondary to his now service-connected hypertension.