Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's disability rating for coronary artery disease was reduced from 60 percent to 10 percent, effective October 1, 2016. The reduction is upheld as the evidence shows a sustained improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than depressive disorder and a heart disability due to incomplete development of records and failure to obtain a medical opinion as requested.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, including coronary artery disease (CAD), and diabetes mellitus, Type II (DM II). The appellant's current disabilities are linked to exposure to environmental hazards during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease manifested with a level of 1-3 METs resulting in dyspnea and fatigue from the beginning of the period on appeal until his death, qualifying for an initial disability rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, service connection for erectile dysfunction, status post right ear drum perforation, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to outstanding private treatment records and conflicting medical evidence.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for hypertension, sternum scar, coronary artery disease, chronic anemia, respiratory disorder, and kidney disease. The Veteran's VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records are to be obtained.

The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period prior to June 22, 2016, based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's heart condition and kidney condition are related to his service-connected hypertension or toxic exposures in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any gastrointestinal disability. The heart disability claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral pes planus with arthritis, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, headaches, multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemic heart disease (IHD), and prostate disorder. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or in-service exposure.

The Board denied service connection for hyperthyroidism and remanded the claims of service connection for Barrett's esophagus and a heart condition.,Service connection is sought for Barrett's esophagus, which has been conceded. The available evidence does not suggest an association between the condition and the Veteran's herbicide agent exposure.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,The Veteran's headaches, neck disorder, back disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), anxiety, insomnia, sleep disturbances, and depression are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% prior to May 19, 2021 and denied for a higher rating. The cardiac disability is rated at 30% prior to January 30, 2023 and denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease was granted at a 30 percent level effective July 28, 2020. The appeal is denied for higher ratings throughout the remainder of the period on appeal.

The Veteran's CAD rating has been raised from 30 percent to 100 percent effective July 20, 2012. The Board requires medical opinion to determine whether the increase of disability existed at an earlier time period and if so, prior to July 20, 2012. Additionally, any decision on these issues could significantly impact a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was submitted after the appeal was transferred to the Board and a waiver of RO review was sought. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is remanded as no SSOC addressing this issue has been issued.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for service-connected bradycardia with implantation of pacemaker, coronary artery disease is remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated VA medical examination and private medical records.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, heart condition, and COPD are remanded due to the need to verify service-connected stressors, assess in-service exposure to asbestos and lead, and obtain medical opinions on the relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and hypothyroidism have been dismissed as the issues are no longer pending in the Legacy appeal system due to previous grants of service connection.