Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post CABG. The effective date for the grant of service connection remains October 27, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, coronary artery disease, and hypothyroidism) precluded him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and a TDIU. The effective date of service connection remains April 10, 2018.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease, diabetes, bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and peripheral neuropathy. The development required includes verifying potential exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) and non-ionizing radiation while serving at Clear Air Force Station in Alaska, as well as possible exposure to PFAS during periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) at Fort Chaffee.

The Veteran's PTSD and heart condition are both being remanded for further evaluation. The PTSD case requires a new VA examination to assess its current severity, while the heart condition case needs an examination to determine if it is related to service-connected PTSD or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and papillary thyroid cancer on the basis of exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Guam. The Veteran's lay testimony regarding his exposure is considered credible, and a medical opinion supports the link between these conditions and Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the claim for burial benefits is also remanded due to potential exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for cause of death may be granted if it can be shown that his coronary artery disease was caused by herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's increased initial rating for coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease (CAD) is granted to 100 percent effective January 3, 2022. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted effective January 3, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Korea, specifically near the DMZ. The appellant needs to provide more details or contact the VA for assistance.

The Board has remanded the claims for benign essential tremors and heart disability due to herbicide exposure, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service. A VA medical opinion will be obtained.

The Veteran's congenital bicuspid valve is not service-connected, but his heart disability (bicuspid aortic valve disease and aortic aneurysm) is granted as aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent prior to October 30, 2019, for his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no link between the Veteran's psychiatric disability and the condition.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is granted an increased rating to 100 percent effective April 3, 2017. The other claims are denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation during the period of March 31, 2016 to November 13, 2016.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for coronary artery disease is granted, and he is also awarded special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. However, an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected condition is denied.

The Veteran's death was attributed to pancreatic insufficiency, sepsis, atrial fibrillation, and pneumonia. The Board is seeking additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his alcohol abuse and its relation to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease is granted as secondary to herbicide agent exposure.,PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent, with no further issues on appeal regarding this condition.,Bilateral hearing loss has a non-compensable rating.,Prostate cancer remains in remission; the Veteran's current symptoms do not warrant an increased rating.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve) is rated at 10 percent prior to January 4, 2017 and at 20 percent from that date onward.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (femoral nerve) remains at a 20 percent rating.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is rated at 40 percent, with no further issues on appeal regarding this condition.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is rated at 40 percent, with no further issues on appeal regarding this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and is dismissed due to the request for withdrawal by his authorized representative.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and related peripheral neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy (end-stage renal disease) and diabetic retinopathy have all been granted. The PACT Act presumption of herbicide exposure is not applicable to these conditions.

The Veteran's CAD with stable angina is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record. The issue of SMC based upon need for aid and attendance remains remanded.