Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and shrapnel injuries. However, as he has already received assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing, the special home adaptation grant is denied.

The Veteran's rheumatic heart disease with coronary artery disease, status post stent placement is rated at 60 percent effective April 20, 2023.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for heart disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's assertions regarding his conditions are considered credible, but VA must make reasonable efforts to obtain private medical records from any identified sources.

The Veteran did not have any benefits due and unpaid at the time of his death, as no claims were pending. Therefore, accrued benefits are denied.

The Veteran's claims for a TDIU, service connection for chest and groin scars, and a compensable rating for valvular heart disease have been dismissed. The Board found that the Veteran's valvular heart disease warrants a 10 percent rating from April 8, 2019, and a 30 percent rating from November 12, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left ear hearing loss has been denied as his current level of disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Board is remanding the issues of service connection for low back disability, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's National Guard service dates.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease with history of myocardial infarction is denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and renal dysfunction are granted on a direct basis prior to August 10, 2022.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for hypertensive heart disease and a TDIU due to insufficient information regarding the current severity of his service-connected condition. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an adequate medical opinion on this matter.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development due to a lack of adequate medical opinions and consideration of potential service exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for myocardial infarction and arteriosclerotic heart disease due to a lack of evidence regarding in-service exposure to Agent Orange or other toxic exposures. The Veteran is required to provide an Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER) and Toxic Risk Exposure Activity (TERA) Memorandum, and undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his heart conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to August 31, 2010, for both service connection and a 100% rating for coronary artery disease (CAD). The appeal was based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents, but no such evidence was provided.

The Veteran's chronic cough is related to service and granted.,The Veteran's right knee condition did not manifest during or within one year after service, and denied.,The Veteran's right shoulder condition was remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinion.,The Veteran's heart condition/stroke were remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD alone rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, and his other service-connected disabilities combined to at least a 60% rating. SMC based on statutory housebound status is granted as of April 21, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and sleep apnea due to a lack of VA examinations, as well as potential exposure to ionizing radiation during service. The Veteran's participation in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) is conceded.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been presented to readjudicate the claims for service connection for a heart condition, diabetes, prostate cancer, and a left foot condition. The claims are being remanded for further consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a stroke, finding that it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and diabetes mellitus (DM).

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart condition, and hypertension is remanded due to potential exposure to herbicides or chemicals during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were previously denied due to lack of evidence linking his conditions to his military service. The Board reopened the claims and granted them based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a statement indicating he walked around the perimeter of the base in Thailand where he served.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease with supraventricular arrhythmia was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of more than 60%.