Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's allergy condition is denied as it is not shown to have had its onset in service or be related to service. The Board found that the current diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was noted on a Report of Medical History at entry into service, but there is insufficient evidence to establish that this preexisting condition was aggravated by service.,The Veteran's heart condition (bicuspid aortic valve and right bundle branch block) is denied as it is not shown to have had its onset in service or be related to service. The Board found that the current diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital defect, and there is no evidence showing it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right plantar fasciitis, low back disability, obstructive sleep apnea, heart condition (coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation), deviated septum, and respiratory condition have all been granted.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative arthritis of the spine, obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, deviated septum, and a respiratory condition (sinusitis, rhinitis, upper respiratory infection).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches, thyroid condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and heart condition due to incomplete VA treatment records and an inadequate April 2012 addendum opinion for PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and the need for additional opinions regarding the impact of toxic and environmental exposures on the Veteran's heart disabilities.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection of a heart condition, and the Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be related to his current diagnoses of OSA, hypertension, GERD, heart disease, and stroke. The Veteran's headaches are rated as 50% disabling throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 60 percent from August 31, 2012, to April 1, 2014, and for a 10 percent rating from July 1, 2014, for ischemic heart disease has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for left ventricular hypertrophy and for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent from July 1, 2014, for ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease from October 8, 2015 to June 5, 2019 was denied.,The Veteran's initial rating for hypertension was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities, particularly knee, back, shoulder, heart, TBI, and headache. Additional development is required including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for Coronary Artery Disease and Parkinson's disease, finding that the evidence did not establish exposure to tactical herbicides during service on a facts-found basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of a heart condition due to exposure during military service is remanded.

The appeal for service connection for right median sensorimotor neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, left and right shin splints, cataracts, deviated septum, depression, a right elbow disorder, and a heart disorder has been dismissed.,The claim for service connection for hypertension (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD) has been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is granted in part.,The claims for service connection for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis have been reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeals are granted in part.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to September 13, 2019, and in excess of 50 percent after that date has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss due to exposure to hazardous noise during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease is denied.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for OSA, a back disorder, and COPD as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's death may be due to service-connected ischemic heart disease, but needs more information from medical records and a VA opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's exposure at Fort McClellan is being considered as a potential cause of his current conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. Service connections for diabetes mellitus, stroke, and heart disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed. The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity neurological impairment, but denied the rest of the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease on a direct basis due to herbicide exposure during the Veteran's service at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base.

The Board has denied a request for an effective date prior to August 10, 2016 for the assignment of a 30 percent disability rating for the service-connected coronary artery disease. The increase in disability was not factually ascertainable within one year prior to the claim.