Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for dry mouth syndrome, loss of teeth, actinic keratosis, and coronary artery disease due to in-service ionizing radiation exposure. The Veteran's current conditions are considered direct service connections.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart conditions. The VA must obtain a new opinion from a qualified clinician to determine if any of the diagnosed heart conditions are related to service, and whether the bicuspid heart valve is a congenital defect or disease with superimposed disability.

The Board has reopened the claims for OSA and CAD, as well as for left ankle, right ankle, right hip, and right foot disabilities. The claims are now remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 100% since July 7, 2016. The condition shows a workload of 3.0 METs or less that results in fatigue, dyspnea, and angina for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease, with myocardial infarction and stable angina was denied prior to April 18, 2023. The evidence did not show left ventricular dysfunction or chronic congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and CAD have been found to preclude substantially gainful employment since November 19, 2015.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be due to herbicide agent exposure in Thailand during service, granted under the PACT Act.,There is no current evidence of a viral infection or bump on the left hip. The claim for these conditions is denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder) is granted.,The Veteran's lower jaw or dental disability is not service connected due to lack of evidence supporting trauma that resulted in bone loss.,The Veteran's current dental condition, including periodontal disease, is not considered a compensable disability for which he can receive compensation.

The Veteran's appeal for hypertension was dismissed. The eye disorder claim was denied, but the heart disorder claim was granted and reopened based on new evidence. The thoracolumbar spine disability and associated neurological abnormalities were also granted and reopened. The left ear hearing loss claim was denied.

The Board has determined that procedural errors occurred in the handling of the Veteran's appeal and has ordered remand for further action.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to June 23, 2016 for coronary artery disease and reopening of his right knee disability claim are denied. The Board finds that the Veteran has not provided new and material evidence to reopen his right knee disability claim. His TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with other issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability as secondary to his service-connected hypertension, finding that the current heart disability is proximately due to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and heart disorder. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back disorder, coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and discoid lupus erythematosus. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.,Specifically, the AOJ is instructed to verify whether the Veteran served at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam and if the USS Proteus was stationed there during his service period.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including right knee disability, low back disability, PTSD, substance abuse, liver disability, and heart disability. The Board has determined that these issues are remanded due to the need for further development or clarification.

The petition to reopen service connection for a left ankle condition is denied.,Service connection for a heart condition, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension are all denied. The Veteran's claim for erectile dysfunction (claimed as secondary to hypertension) and headaches are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for coronary artery disease and remanded the issue of service connection for multinodular goiter due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The case is being referred to the Under Secretary for Benefits for further consideration.

The Veteran's left arm scar was denied a compensable rating prior to September 18, 2019 and from September 18, 2019. A separate noncompensable disability rating for the same condition was granted effective May 28, 2021.,The Veteran's CAD with acute subacute or old myocardial infarction was granted a 30 percent disability rating from September 20, 2019 and denied any higher ratings. The Veteran also received TDIU prior to January 29, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and the need for additional medical opinions regarding asbestos exposure, hypertension, and service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease as due to herbicide exposure during service, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam and his diagnosis of IHD is presumed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease, plaque psoriasis, hypogonadism, psoriatic joint pain, and hypertension, all secondary to herbicide exposure. The AOJ is instructed to verify whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his time in Okinawa.