Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining opinions regarding secondary service connection for heart condition and aggravation by other service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of depression or CAD, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The issue of service connection for CAD due to toxic exposure is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, scars, and headaches. The case is being remanded to provide a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's reported headaches are secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for TDIU and DEA benefits prior to March 24, 2020, finding that he did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board also found that the appellant was not unemployable as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a scar associated with CABG surgery was denied.,His bilateral hearing loss disability remains at a noncompensable rating, and the claim is remanded to determine if an increased rating is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension on a direct basis. The Veteran's claims for heart condition and right arm tremors based on exposure to herbicide agents are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses is dismissed as there are no adverse decisions made by VHA on a medical reimbursement claim.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus was granted, with effective dates of March 23, 2016. The Veteran requested review of the October 4, 2019 rating decision, which was properly submitted on a valid form.

The Veteran's claims have been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims as they do not survive the appellant's death.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's heart disability, including thoracic aortic aneurysm and nonischemic cardiomyopathy, is secondary to his PTSD. However, due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate opinion regarding whether PTSD aggravated any heart condition, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's heart disability and presumed herbicide agent exposure during service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate that he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease associated with herbicide exposure is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status, as he is able to leave his home for medical appointments and grocery shopping.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease, arteriosclerotic heart disease, coronary heart disease, and ischemic cardiomyopathy status post myocardial infarction is granted with a 60% rating prior to May 14, 2020.,From May 14, 2020 onwards, the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease, arteriosclerotic heart disease, coronary heart disease, and ischemic cardiomyopathy status post myocardial infarction is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease with percutaneous coronary intervention is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A new examination is required.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, and there is no evidence to warrant an increase in this rating.,Service connection for a colon condition was denied due to lack of current symptoms or diagnosis.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity has been granted service connection but remains noncompensable.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity also has been granted service connection but remains noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back condition, heart condition, migraines, left foot condition, and left shoulder condition. The VA will provide a new examination in each case.

The Veteran's heart disability is granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure. The COPD claim is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disability, including whether it is related to service or any service-connected conditions.