Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board has restored service connection for the Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, finding that the original grant of service connection was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Veteran's earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease associated with herbicide exposure is granted as of January 25, 2018.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides during his military service in Korea.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and has determined that CAD is service-connected based on evidence showing a diagnosis, in-service symptoms, and a nexus between the two.

The Veteran's service connection for CAD and CHF was granted, with a maximum initial rating of 100% effective June 10, 2021. The effective date cannot be earlier than August 15, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. The diagnoses are considered chronic under VA regulations and the Veteran's statements of continuity of symptoms after service have been found credible.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD) from May 6, 2013 to March 30, 2016 was granted. However, the claim for a higher rating thereafter remains denied.

The Board has ordered another remand due to incomplete information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and a new asbestos exposure claim by the Veteran's representative. The VA is required to provide an examination for TERA involving potential asbestos exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart disability due to lack of evidence of current disability. The claims for initial compensable ratings for headaches and seizure disorder with impaired memory and attention are remanded as the Veteran has not been evaluated since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to clarify his service dates and toxic exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for cause of death, finding that the Veteran's acute renal failure, dyspnea/COPD/respiratory failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension were not incurred in or related to his military service.

The Veteran's heart condition is found to be related to his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for status post coronary artery bypass grafting and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of the current assigned disability ratings under both pre-amendment and post-amendment VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error and obtain a VA examination for the claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for Heart Condition, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (including PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder), Deep Vein Thrombosis of the right leg, Deep Vein Thrombosis of the left leg, and Sleep Apnea due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's IHD, diabetes, and hypertension are granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure. The low back disorder, bladder disorder, and thyroid disorder claims are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, and bilateral dry eyes and cataracts, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a sinus disorder and a heart disorder due to insufficient evidence in the record, including lack of adequate VA medical opinions and missing private treatment records.

The Veteran's cardiovascular disorder, specifically coronary artery disease, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure during his time at Korat Air Force Base in Thailand. The appeal for direct service connection was denied as there were no symptoms or diagnoses related to the condition during service and no evidence of continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease, to include congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy, is currently rated at 0 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition remains unchanged from its baseline level.