Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, and hypertension due to their being intertwined with other pending claims. The Veteran also asserts that liver and kidney diseases are secondary to service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of scheduled Decision Review Office hearing. The issues are related to cardiovascular disability and PTSD, both potentially linked to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Veteran's heart disability is granted as service-connected. The spine and right ear hearing loss claims are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence to support the reopening of this claim. However, the claims for coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's heart disorder, including coronary artery disease and mitral valve insufficiency, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The examiner is requested to provide an addendum opinion addressing these concerns.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for the right knee scar is denied. The claims for service connection for a left eye condition, heart condition, GERD, gastrointestinal condition, right shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected cardiac condition is rated at 100% effective October 2, 2010. He also received special monthly compensation for housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, CAD, and sleep apnea due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not shown to have onset during service or be related to asbestos exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for a heart condition, which may be related to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected hypertension. The claim will need to be reviewed again with new evidence and an appropriate opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of VA examination for the heart disability and the need to verify the Veteran's exposure to toxins while stationed at Fort McClellan. A VA examination will be scheduled to assess the relationship between the Veteran's service, including any toxic exposures, and her claimed heart disability.

The Veteran's CAD was previously rated at 60 percent prior to November 11, 2020. Effective November 12, 2020, the Veteran is now entitled to a 100 percent rating for his CAD.

The reduction in the disability rating for coronary artery disease from 60 percent to 30 percent was improper, and a restoration of a 60 percent rating is granted.,Entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is denied.

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, migraines, heart disease and high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck condition and remanded the issue of service connection for a heart condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease is denied. The Board found that there was no indication of a formal or informal claim prior to March 18, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, heart disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The decision also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to January 17, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and related disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 13, 2012 to March 13, 2013. He is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits during this period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease due to incomplete verification of in-service stressors and missing medical records.