Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease was denied from December 30, 2011 until December 13, 2017. From December 13, 2017, the Veteran is granted a 60 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to address whether there were 'debilitating effects and general impairment of health' due to coronary artery disease, which could render the Veteran materially less capable of resisting other diseases or injuries primarily causing death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he was not in need of regular aid and assistance nor permanently bedridden.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back condition and secondary service connection for coronary artery disease as due to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypercholesterolemia, finding no current disability of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding an inadequate opinion on the cause of death and secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for an opinion on whether there is a nexus between the Veteran's post-service disabilities and his toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) during service in Southwest Asia. The appellant seeks both pension benefits and DIC benefits, but her income eligibility for pension benefits was not established.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been granted. The claim for a kidney condition is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, thyroid condition, and acid reflux as there is no probative evidence showing that these conditions began during his active service or are related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not result in the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, leading to a denial of SMC.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU for the period prior to June 21, 2023, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board dismissed the TDIU claim for the period from June 21, 2023, as moot due to the Veteran's receipt of a 100% combined disability rating.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is characterized by evidence of cardiac hypertrophy on an echocardiogram from August 31, 2010. He was granted a 30 percent rating for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus due to herbicides, finding insufficient evidence of exposure in the Republic of Vietnam or Okinawa.

The Veteran's CAD was rated at 30 percent prior to May 10, 2023. Prior to April 9, 2019, he received a separate 20 percent rating for right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage and an additional 10 percent rating for varus osteoarthritis by analogy to genu recurvatum.,The Veteran's CAD was rated at 30 percent prior to May 10, 2023. Prior to April 9, 2019, he received a separate 20 percent rating for right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage and an additional 10 percent rating for varus osteoarthritis by analogy to genu recurvatum.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted based on presumed exposure to herbicides during active duty. Service connection for hypertension is also granted, with the presumption of association with herbicide exposure.,Service connection for stroke with residual paralysis of the left side of the body was remanded due to insufficient information regarding a potential nexus between the condition and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The heart condition claim is remanded because there are no opinions addressing whether it is related to presumed herbicide agent exposure or secondary to PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. The Veteran's active duty was within the territorial sea, meeting the criteria for presumed exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disability, and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The claims are now pending with VA for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease is granted, with the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand under the PACT Act. Service connection is also granted for IHD prior to August 10, 2022, based on presumed exposure.