Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address whether the Veteran's vertigo is aggravated by his service-connected cardiac disorders and to obtain an addendum opinion regarding this matter.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease did not result in workload of 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness or syncope; chronic congestive heart failure; or left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30 percent prior to November 22, 2022. As a result, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for alcohol abuse, coronary artery disease, and anxiety disorder. The VA examiners found that these conditions were not related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The appeal is remanded due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents, which is necessary for determining service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a 100 percent rating for coronary artery disease is granted, effective January 4, 2024. Additionally, the Veteran is awarded special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from March 17, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for diabetes mellitus type 2, heart disorder, respiratory disorder (asthma), and neuropathy of the lower extremity due to unclear medical opinions and potential need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence, particularly regarding the Veteran's employment status and service treatment records. The Regional Office is instructed to obtain all relevant information and provide a comprehensive examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete verification of his claimed Vietnam service and potential exposure to herbicides. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's reported service in Vietnam, as well as any possible exposure to commercial herbicides sprayed along the flight line during his deployment.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability has aggravated his pre-existing coronary artery disease, resulting in a current heart condition. Service connection is granted for this aggravation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied for the period prior to August 10, 2022. For the period from August 10, 2022, his combined rating of 100% due to multiple service-connected disabilities rendered him eligible for SMC under a separate TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and will require a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a heart condition, gallbladder condition, and right wrist condition due to insufficient evidence of current disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded as it is intertwined with other issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and outstanding records. The Veteran's lupus and heart disorder are being evaluated again by an examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient VA opinions addressing his exposure to hazardous chemicals and herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease have been reopened due to new evidence. The Board has determined that these conditions are related to his in-service stress and granted the claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the effective date of his award has been set at July 21, 2009. The claim for an earlier effective date was dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and treatment records, requiring further development including obtaining outstanding private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, left ankle strain, right ankle strain, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis have been granted. The claim for unstable angina and arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) has been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for Parkinson's disease, hypertension, and a heart disability due to unresolved issues regarding in-service exposure. The cause of death claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with these service connection claims.