Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not show he was completely unemployable.

The Veteran's claimed disabilities are not service-connected and the Board finds no evidence to support a finding that any of his conditions were caused by VA treatment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for CAD prior to May 15, 2014 was denied as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure or a workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 60 percent for CAD from May 15, 2014 to November 9, 2017 was granted as the evidence showed a workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in fatigue.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for CAD from November 10, 2017 to December 19, 2017 was denied as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure or a workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims of service connection for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, basal cell carcinoma (claimed as skin cancer), tinea corpora, tinea cruris, and psoriasis are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claim for an eye disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's heart disabilities, including coronary artery disease and ventricular dysrhythmias, are presumed to be related to his in-service herbicide agent exposure. His diabetes is also presumed to be related to his service-connected hypertension.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected diabetes has been granted.

Coronary artery disease and hypertension have been granted service connection, while a skin disorder has been remanded for further examination.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are presumed to be related to his military service due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, coronary artery disease, painful scars of the left foot and left shoulder, scar from removal of sebaceous cyst below right eye, bilateral hearing loss, and malaria are being remanded for additional development to determine their current severity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that her current conditions are not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The reduction from a 60 percent rating to a 30 percent rating for coronary artery disease was improper, and the Veteran's rating is restored to 60 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee and left knee chondromalacia were not found to meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent.,The Veteran's right shoulder disorder with post-operative residuals was not found to meet the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to alleged herbicide agent exposure while serving on the U.S.S. Forrestal, and also for TDIU as these issues are intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and heart condition, finding no evidence of a causal relationship to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's CAD is currently rated at 60 percent from January 30, 2022 to the present. Before that date, he was not entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, and a heart valve replacement are granted. The case is remanded to obtain VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from a private cardiologist, and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, heart disorder, gout, and stroke due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, ED, and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ due to unclear exposure history. The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for hypothyroidism, a heart condition, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand disorders, heart disorder, and prostate disorder due to incomplete records and potential exposure to toxins during military service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records and verify the Veteran's service history.