Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II requires, at worst, prescribed insulin and restricted diet. The Board denied an increased rating for this condition.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) is currently rated 60 percent disabling prior to February 1, 2017, with a 10 percent rating thereafter. The Board remanded the issue due to insufficient evidence regarding current severity of CAD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal of his initial evaluation for service-connected coronary artery disease due to inadequate examination and failure to consider certain evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the proximate cause of his coronary artery disease. The Board grants both service connection for CAD and a TDIU based on the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disease and OSA due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's pre-existing conditions are being evaluated again, with a focus on whether they were caused or aggravated by his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, finding that there is no evidence of such being proximately due to or aggravated by these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type 2, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension have been granted. These conditions are all secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's tinnitus, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and skin cancer are all granted as they are presumed to be related to his service due to exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for retinopathy is remanded. The issue of whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by service is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for a VA medical opinion on the combined effects of service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; heart disease (IHD); vision impairment; low back disorder; and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2, Parkinson's disease, coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction have been granted as due to exposure to herbicides.,The Veteran was found to have set foot in Vietnam during his service, which is presumed for purposes of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of his coronary artery disease (CAD) and determine if he qualifies for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to November 28, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not causally related to his military service and did not arise from herbicide exposure. The medical evidence does not support direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran must undergo further examinations for his hearing loss, spine disability, heart condition, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for heart condition and obstructive sleep apnea due to outstanding medical records, including a VA examination for OSA. The Veteran's lay statements regarding symptoms in service are considered.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his military service at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base.

The Board has denied service connection for heart condition, skin disease, and diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for tuberculosis and back disability have been reopened but are still pending as they were not fully adjudicated in the May 1999 decision. Service connection is also being remanded for fatigue.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as service connected. The claims for coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus secondary to agent orange exposure are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for ischemic heart disease / CAD and for entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate record development, including missing private medical records and testing. The case is being returned for further examination and development of evidence.