Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability and a respiratory disability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.,The cause of death is also granted, as it was due to the Veteran's service-connected heart disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and a blood disorder which causes blood clots due to exposure to herbicides while stationed on Okinawa.

The Board granted service connection for a cardiovascular disorder diagnosed as coronary artery disease under the PACT Act, but denied service connection for hypothyroidism and other conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including failing to obtain medical opinions and examinations prior to issuing the December 2023 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue, stroke, coronary artery disease, and ischemic cardiomyopathy are not adequately addressed by the August 2021 VA examiners. The claims must be remanded to obtain addendum Gulf War opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service in Southwest Asia.

The appeal for service connection for heart disease, including ischemic heart disease is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for a respiratory condition claimed as chronic bronchitis is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed valvular heart disease, including mitral valve prolapse and tricuspid valve regurgitation. The examiner is asked to determine if these conditions are congenital or preexisted service, and whether they were aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a crush injury to the left index finger. The remaining issues regarding heart condition, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and melanoma are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the Veteran's service in Guam or American Samoa, which could affect his presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure under the PACT Act.

The Board denied service connection for a compensable disability rating for tinea pedis and various other conditions, including skin rashes, stomach disability, and psychiatric disorders, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The appeal on the claim of entitlement to service connection for pericardial adhesions is dismissed. The claim of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD), including as secondary to pericardial adhesions, is remanded.

The Board has determined that there have been deficiencies in the compliance with previous remand directives and another remand is required for further examination and opinion regarding service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits due to unresolved issues regarding his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work. The case will be referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for consideration of whether a higher effective date is warranted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation higher than 10 percent for left shin splints with patellofemoral pain syndrome, a compensable evaluation for valvular heart disease, service connection for an eye disability, and service connection for a skin disability due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve is granted a 20 percent disability rating, effective March 28, 2021. The Veteran's service-connected right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve also receives a 20 percent disability rating from that date.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, left Achilles tendonitis, right Achilles tendonitis, and lattice and vitreous degeneration as the evidence did not show any injury or incident during a period of active duty or Reserve training that could support these claims.

The Veteran's death was due to severe occlusive coronary artery disease, which is presumed to be caused by exposure to herbicide agents. The appellant filed a claim for DIC benefits within one year of the Veteran's death and was found eligible as a Nehmer class member. However, her remarriage in 2014 rendered her ineligible for recognition as the surviving spouse from that date onwards.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension due to unclear exposure information, particularly regarding Agent Orange exposure. The VA will need to verify the Veteran's reported service in Guam and Vietnam, as well as his claimed toxic exposures during service.