Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for heart disease and pulmonary disorder, both presumed to be due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The VA medical opinions found no ischemic heart disease or a relationship between the Veteran's conditions and his service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied because he failed to report for the scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, rating increases, and other issues are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Board will obtain additional medical records and provide VA addendum opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for ischemic heart disease prior to January 31, 2022 is denied. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person by reason of being housebound prior to June 15, 2018 is also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's alcohol dependence is service-connected as secondary to or part of his PTSD, and to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's skin and heart conditions and his active duty service, as well as whether these conditions are separate from or related to his already service-connected acne rosacea.

The Veteran's claims for stomach scars and leg scars have been dismissed. The claim for coronary artery disease is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a 60 percent rating under either version of Diagnostic Code 7005.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also finds that the Veteran's TIA is secondary to his now service-connected hypertension.

The appeal for an effective date prior to December 5, 2017 for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease is dismissed. The appeals for initial ratings in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder and coronary artery disease are remanded. The appeal for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for CAD residuals is dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal before the Board could make a decision. The issues of service connection for right hip disorder, TTD for convalescence after right hip surgery, and TDIU are all remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his service-connected coronary artery disease prior to March 31, 2022 has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes, CAD, and hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service exposure or a nexus between his conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities other than major depressive disorder have not caused significant occupational impact which would warrant TDIU prior to September 16, 2019. From September 16, 2019, the grant of a 100 percent rating for major depressive disorder and assignment of SMC renders the issue of entitlement to TDIU moot.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance claims are both granted due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's death was not due to service-connected disability, and the appeal for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1310 is remanded as additional evidence is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to unresolved issues regarding service connection for a heart disability and stroke residuals. The Board will need to resolve these issues before making a determination on the compensation rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for Parkinson's disease, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus type II as the evidence did not show a link to active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, a low back disorder, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle sprain. The issues have been remanded to allow for further examination and medical opinions.