Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary service connection and worsening of conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of ischemic heart disease and TDIU prior to September 10, 2020 are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claims, including a schedular TDIU from August 10, 2022 and an extraschedular TDIU prior to that date. The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU consideration from August 10, 2022 but not prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration of all issues on appeal, including those related to earlier effective dates and service connection. The RO should consider all evidence associated with the claims file since the October 31, 2019 SOCs and May 27, 2020 SSOC.

The Board has determined that further examination and development are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. The issues of entitlement to service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to his coronary artery disease was denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease, which had already been granted in the past, was confirmed and set at 60 percent effective from October 16, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition (also claimed as myocardial infraction) because there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused the current condition, and the condition was not related to her service-connected asthma.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 9, 1994 for the grant of service connection for a heart disorder. The Veteran filed his claim to reopen in March 1994 and provided a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) in December 1994.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in its previous decision and new evidence regarding possible asbestos exposure. The Veteran's heart condition is being reviewed again for potential service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss has continued to decline since his last examination, and thus a new examination is needed to assess the current severity or extent of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's chest scars are rated as non-compensable, with the scars measuring less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm).,The Veteran's microscopic colitis is currently rated at 30 percent and does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of severe disability with numerous attacks per year or malnutrition.,The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are rated as 40 percent, requiring absorbent materials changed less than two times per day. No higher rating is warranted based on urinary frequency or obstructed voiding.,Prior to September 22, 2022, the Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 60 percent, meeting criteria for a 60 percent evaluation.,From September 22, 2022, the Veteran's coronary artery disease is denied as no higher rating is warranted due to lack of severe disability with numerous attacks per year or malnutrition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in previous examinations and new evidence, requiring an additional examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's valvular heart disease.

The reduction of the evaluation for the Veteran's left knee limitation of flexion was restored to a 10 percent rating.,The petition to reopen a claim for service connection for glaucoma is denied. The evidence does not show that there was actual improvement in the Veteran's left knee flexion at the time of the reduction, and the additional evidence received since the August 2007 rating decision is cumulative or redundant.,Service connection for a heart disorder is denied. The evidence of record persuasively weighs against finding that the Veteran has had a heart disorder as chronic in service or within an applicable presumption period.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The evidence of record does not show that the Veteran has had hearing loss at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for a corneal abrasion of the eye is denied. The evidence of record does not show that the Veteran has had an eye disorder characterized by an abrasion (eye abrasion) at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim that caused a functional impairment in earning capacity.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is remanded. The evidence of record does not show that the Veteran has had OSA at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for an allergy disorder is remanded. The evidence of record does not show that the Veteran has had an allergy disorder at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of consideration under the PACT Act, and also because further examinations are needed.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance beginning February 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including dermatitis/dermatosis is granted as new and material evidence has been received.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disorder, including cephalgia/tension headaches, are granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for an addendum VA opinion to determine if his service-connected conditions, including coronary artery disease and scar, status post stent placements, caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's heart condition, including CAD, is rated at 60 percent for the entire initial rating period.,Effective from March 6, 2013, the Veteran receives a 60 percent rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD).