Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for fatty liver disease, left elbow condition, right elbow condition, bilateral knee condition, bilateral ankle condition, arthritis in joints other than knees, ankles, and elbows, and heart condition (CAD).

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic colon cancer and coronary artery disease, but these conditions were not service-connected. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, including as due to herbicide exposure, was denied because there is insufficient evidence to confirm any such exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's heart disability is rated at 100% effective from August 30, 2022. Prior to that date, the rating was 10%. The Board found the evidence more favorable to granting a higher rating starting from August 30, 2022.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from January 28, 2013, due to his service-connected PTSD. Prior to this date, the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability based on any single service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chest pain, to include bradycardia, and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA examiner is required to provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's heart disorders related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, thus meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate etiological opinion regarding the Veteran's cardiac disabilities, specifically his service at Dugway Proving Ground. The RO must obtain a new opinion that addresses the specific chemical and biological agents involved in the Veteran's exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence received after a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The Veteran's CAD and MDD ratings are being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, but remanded the issue of service connection for a heart disorder due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to his service-connected ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease status post CABG is granted. The issue of a higher initial rating for IHD and CAD prior to November 5, 2021, and in excess of 60 percent thereafter remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disorder is related to his service, specifically exposure to herbicides during his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a heart disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including neck condition, bilateral knee condition, respiratory disability (asthma and COPD), and heart disability. The issues are being remanded due to unresolved questions regarding the presumption of soundness at entrance into service and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for lung cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease due to asbestos exposure. The VA is required to obtain addendum medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service or relationship to a service-connected disability. The examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether any heart disease or OSA had its onset during service, is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, and if so, whether it was caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, respiratory condition, diabetes mellitus type II, acquired psychiatric disorder, right hand condition, right wrist condition, and bilateral foot conditions due to inadequate VA examinations and missing service treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete records from CJW Medical Center and Johnston-Willis Hospital. The claims are also remanded for issuance of an SOC regarding the effective date for a 10% rating for right foot hallux valgus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right wrist disability, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to service exposure in Korea. The claims are being returned for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, finding no evidence of such condition during or after his active duty. The Veteran's symptoms were attributed to PTSD and other non-service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and bilateral upper extremities, finding that there is no evidence linking the condition to service or any presumptive exposure.,Service connection was also denied for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and defibrillator pacemaker. The Board found insufficient evidence connecting these conditions to service.