Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board granted service connection for aortic-valve stenosis as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD). However, it denied an initial disability evaluation in excess of 60 percent for heart disorder (CAD), finding that the Veteran's condition did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of evidence of congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30 percent.

Service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and prostate cancer is granted due to the PACT Act of 2022.,The PACT Act extends presumptive service connection for these conditions based on exposure in Guam during a qualifying period.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, hypertension, and supraventricular tachycardia have rendered him helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was not filed, and thus he did not have a valid appeal to consider.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and coronary artery disease are granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The cause of death is also granted, with the Board finding equipoise on whether service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran's heart disorder, hypertension, and high frequency sensorineural hearing loss are inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disorder and venous stasis with bilateral leg ulcerations due to potential issues with medical opinions and outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's CAD is not related to service, including Gulf War exposures, while the etiology of his venous stasis with leg ulcers remains unclear.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete information regarding his part-time employment, which may affect the determination of total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the claim for coronary artery disease (CAD) due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology and whether it is related to service-connected asthma and sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left-sided paralysis, heart disorder, back disorder, and neck disorder. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease and/or Parkinsonism, and heart disorder are granted due to presumed in-service herbicide agent exposure.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease and/or Parkinsonism, and heart disorder under the PACT Act presumption.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with neurocognitive disorder prior to January 19, 2017 and from January 19, 2017 to January 29, 2020 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease associated with herbicide exposure prior to January 20, 2017 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as due to herbicide agent exposure was granted under the PACT Act.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Parkinson's disease was remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease associated with herbicide exposure from January 20, 2017 was remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to service-connected ischemic heart disease and/or service-connected Parkinson's disease, and as being due to herbicide exposure was remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 9, 2017 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his coronary artery disease and to determine if he is entitled to a temporary total evaluation for his July 2015 hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and heart condition, to include CAD, due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of ischemic heart disease and service connection for a back condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection and increased rating claims related to various conditions, including right hip disorder, heart disorder, IBS, sleep disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board dismissed all these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature of his heart condition, PTSD, asthma, and sleep apnea, as well as their relationship to service. The hearing loss claim remains denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided for service connection of CAD was inadequate and remands the case to obtain a new examination.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, coronary artery disease, hypertension, right knee disability, and right wrist disability. The Board dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to potential PACT Act exposure and need for an addendum opinion regarding COPD.