Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable evaluations are being remanded due to the failure of VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with his appeal. The Board finds good cause exists to reschedule these exams.

The Veteran's back disability is etiologically related to service and the claim for service connection for a heart disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disabilities, including a heart murmur and various cardiovascular conditions, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or aggravation.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding a reduction in the disability rating for coronary artery disease from 30 percent to 10 percent due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right hip disability, heart disorder (Ischemic Heart Disease), prostate disorder, and skin condition (to include scars) due to new and material evidence received. The Veteran's representative withdrew other claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, which is related to his service-connected varicose veins, and for TDIU due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The appeal seeking to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for a heart disability is granted. The Veteran's hypertension and obstructive bronchitis claims are denied, but the case is remanded for further examination regarding sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service-connected coronary artery disease and the 60% disability rating is being remanded. The appeal regarding the effective date of service connection for coronary artery disease is also pending.

The appeals for service connection on all issues have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for GERD based on secondary service connection and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical records and the need to obtain additional information from private healthcare providers. The Veteran served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability is related to service, specifically due to asbestos exposure during service and secondary to his service-connected COPD. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

Service connection for ischemic heart condition and residuals of prostate cancer is granted pursuant to the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022. Service connection for Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to December 10, 2012, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including heart disorder, kidney transplant and residuals thereof, neck artery disability, leg bypass surgery and residuals thereof, left leg to right leg artery transplant and residuals thereof, and frostbite of hands and feet. The Veteran's service records are unavailable due to a fire, but VA must assist in the development of his claim.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and loss of vision/open angle glaucoma/cataracts/choroidal nevus, claimed as secondary to concussion residuals. The Veteran's representative argued that a VA examination was inadequate due to lack of review of medical literature and potential need for a neuro ophthalmologist's opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, pancreatic cancer to include residual jaundice, and coronary artery disease due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The appeal is pending further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and heart disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower extremity, left lower extremity, and right upper extremity disabilities are denied due to lack of a current diagnosis of these conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied as there is no current disability of sleep apnea in the record.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of service personnel records and the need to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicides while stationed at Ramasun Station. The cause of death is attributed to metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma, but there is contention that atherosclerotic heart disease may be related to herbicide exposure.