Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post CABG, was granted at 60 percent. The Board has determined that the Veteran's condition has deteriorated and a remand is necessary to consider whether he should be rated higher based on updated VA criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically related to his alleged in-service stressors and acquired psychiatric disability. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, alcohol and drug abuse disorders secondary to PTSD, and a heart disability secondary to both PTSD and alcohol and drug abuse disorders.

The Veteran's knee and spine conditions are remanded for further examination. His respiratory, heart, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities are also remanded due to the similar nature of the issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the cause of death and its relationship to service-connected conditions, including heart conditions presumed related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction (claimed as ischemic heart disease) was received on June 4, 2018. The effective date cannot be prior to this date due to the liberalizing law that added ischemic heart disease to the list of diseases presumed due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bladder cancer, an initial compensable rating for status post right upper lobectomy, service connection for COPD, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease. The decision also includes a matter regarding entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus prior to March 11, 2016, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, including the issue of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for clarification of diagnoses. The Veteran's heart disorder is presumed related to Agent Orange exposure, but further examination is needed to clarify his current diagnosis and determine if it is related to service. For residuals of stroke, a clarifying opinion on etiology and secondary relationship to service-connected conditions is also required.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, and the condition has manifested to a compensable degree after separation from service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and hepatitis C. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest due to heart disorders, with significant contributing causes including diabetes and angioplasty. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD contributed substantially to his heart conditions, leading to a grant of service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The hypertension rating remains at 30 percent, but the coronary artery disease with valvular heart disease is remanded for further review as it may warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran had ischemic heart disease, and needs a medical opinion to clarify this issue.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is rated at a 20 percent rating, effective July 1, 2018.,The Veteran's aortic regurgitation due to rheumatic heart disease does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7000. The next higher rating of 30 percent is not warranted.,The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the June 2021 Board remand and thus, the claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran was granted an initial 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease from July 19, 2017 to September 25, 2018.,A 100 percent rating for coronary artery disease since September 26, 2018 is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for bronchial asthma and arteriosclerotic heart disease were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability. The right ankle and right knee conditions were granted service connection based on their relationship to active duty.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of the PACT Act, and rated at 100% effective from the date of enactment of the law (2022).

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder. The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing heart condition or acquired psychiatric disability in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, including non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure (CHF), due to exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence did not show any heart condition within one year of discharge or that it was caused by service.