Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart conditions was granted with an effective date of December 16, 2020. However, the Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between his condition and his active service, including his Gulf War exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type 2 (DM II) and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims of service connection for a headache disability, low back disability, and heart disability remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection of unspecified depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD are remanded as the VA examination opinions were inadequate. Other claims for service connection are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart murmur (also claimed as a heart condition) was granted with a full grant of the benefit sought in September 2021, resulting in a 100% disability rating. The appeal is dismissed because the issue has been resolved.

The Board has found that there are potentially outstanding VA and/or private treatment records prior to October 17, 2018, which may be relevant as to the date entitlement arose. The Veteran is being asked to provide authorization for these records.

The Veteran's diabetes and heart conditions are granted on a direct basis due to exposure during service, with the heart condition being secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete STRs and a duty to assist error. The issues include obesity, increased appetite, heat intolerance, arthritis, abdominal condition, nervous condition (including tremors and nervousness), hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, anxiety and insomnia), diabetes mellitus, heart condition (including tachycardia), and gynecological condition (including menstrual irregularities).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and will need a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart disability, including aortic dissection.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection due to exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp LeJeune.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an allowance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as they do not result in physical loss of use of hands or feet, permanent impairment of vision, severe burn injury, or ALS.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings related to his coronary artery disease (CAD) and anterior trunk scar are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions. The Veteran's PTSD, heart condition, and sleep apnea are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions. The Veteran's PTSD, heart condition, and sleep apnea are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his service-connected conditions.

Service connection for valvular heart disease (heart murmur) is granted. Service connection for right elbow strain and right forearm fracture are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, and tinea corporis, have rendered him unemployable. The Board has granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the combined schedular evaluation of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for various disability ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeals by the Veteran's authorized representative.

The Board has granted effective dates of August 9, 2023 for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and hypertension, as well as eligibility for VA Educational Assistance. The Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and right foot neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's VA treatment records from June 2023 to December 2021 are not in the claims file.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary bypass surgery (coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass graft claimed as ischemic heart disease) is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at Royal Thai Air Force Bases Ubon and Udorn, which qualifies under the PACT Act.