Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to ischemic cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease, which are presumed to be related to exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to August 28, 2018.,After August 28, 2018, the evidence did not show chronic congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased disability rating for right knee disorder, service connection for sleep apnea, and service connection for a heart disorder.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include generalized anxiety disorder. The issues of service connection for CAD, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded due to inextricably intertwined with the denial of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue, folliculitis, and heart condition are denied.,Service connection is not granted for chronic fatigue as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during or recent to the filing of the claim. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has had chronic fatigue at any time related to military service.,The Veteran's folliculitis is also denied, with the Board concluding that while he currently has the condition, it did not begin in service and is not linked to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his peripheral vascular disease and PTSD, have resulted in significant physical limitations requiring modifications in his home. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions clarifying the relationship between his service-connected conditions and his need for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post stents, and myocardial infarction.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including sinusitis, respiratory disability (asbestosis and asthma), neuropathy of the lower left extremity, neuropathy of the right left extremity, thoracic aortic aneurism, and ischemic heart disease. These claims are based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, including potential herbicide exposure and service-connected conditions.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the prior February 2022 Board remand directives and a remand is necessary for all Veteran's claims on appeal.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and alcoholic neuropathy are rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of claim. The other issues have been addressed as per the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disability related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.,The Veteran's gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, right leg peripheral neuropathy, and neck arthritis are remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's estate is not entitled to the full $56,587.30 check due to his death before VA could issue a favorable rating decision.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart attack, which is presumed to be related to his herbicide exposure during service. The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) contributed substantially or materially to his death and granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are inadequate for adjudication purposes and requires an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's residuals of a stroke were caused or aggravated by his service-connected heart disability, as well as whether it was caused or aggravated by his brain aneurysm.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of coronary artery disease has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate this claim as it is no longer relevant.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, finding that the Veteran's current heart disabilities are not related to his active service.,The Board also denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, concluding that it is not related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 1, 2013. Effective October 1, 2013, the criteria for a TDIU were met.