Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

Service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease is granted as of August 10, 2022, due to presumed herbicide exposure under the PACT Act. Service connection prior to this date remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied in the past, and a new supplemental claim was filed on March 8, 2021. As his prior denial became final due to lack of appeal within one year, the effective date is set at the filing of the supplemental claim.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 29, 2010, for the grant of service connection for CAD and stable angina was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 4, 2018, for Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 4, 2018, for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 4, 2018, for CAD and stable angina was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple myeloma, coronary artery disease, hypertension, aortic atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and hypercalcemia are all granted. Hypertension is granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure under the PACT Act of 2022. The other conditions are presumed related to service based on herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease with angina and cardiac catheterization prior to July 31, 2022 was denied. From July 31, 2022 onwards, the criteria did not meet for a higher than 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease and service connection for hypertension are being remanded due to the need for updated medical examinations and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus. The claims are now remanded to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are presumed to be associated with herbicide agent exposure during service.,Service connection is granted for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, hemorrhoids, headaches, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine condition). The rating of 10 percent disability is assigned for these conditions. Service connection for hypertensive heart disease was denied due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee pain, left knee strain, and atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is not secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.,The Veteran's vision disability is not secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability and/or claimed diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's heart condition is not secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability and/or claimed diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's vertigo is not a stand-alone disability and is not secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability and/or claimed diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity foot was withdrawn. Service connection is granted for hypertension and a heart condition (mild aortic valve regurgitation, 1st degree AV block, and sinus bradycardia) due to in-service Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension and prostate cancer are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.,Service connection for abnormal glucose/type II diabetes, colon polyps, heart condition, lower extremity radiculopathy/neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted for tinnitus and hypertension, but denied for a heart disability and kidney disability. The case is remanded to determine the appropriate effective date and to address the Veteran's claim for a kidney disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service at U-Tapao Airfield in Thailand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance of another person from October 26, 2017 through March 11, 2019 due to his inability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease was not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicides in the Philippines. The Board denied service connection as there is no evidence of actual or presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

An effective date of May 5, 2020 is granted for service connection of coronary artery disease. A rating in excess of 100 percent for the condition is denied.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of January 22, 2019, for a 60 percent disability rating for CAD with bypass graft surgery.,The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of October 25, 2019, for total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of October 25, 2019, for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance based on permanent and total disability status.