Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for coronary artery disease with atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and prostate cancer with voiding dysfunction was improper due to lack of clear and unmistakable error in the original grant of service connection based on herbicide exposure. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 16, 2021, for the grant of service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease with valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation and bradycardia to include implanted cardiac pacemaker was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 29, 2024, for a 100 percent evaluation for arteriosclerotic heart disease with valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation and bradycardia to include implanted cardiac pacemaker was denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition met the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation prior to that date.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for dementia, secondary to coronary artery disease with bradycardia due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for further development.

The Board has found that there were errors in the VA's duty to assist, specifically regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and ischemic heart disease are being remanded to verify these exposures.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including depression, OSA, IBS, foot disorders, joint pain, muscle pain, asthma, headaches, eye disorders, ear disorder, sinus disorder, heart disorder, angina, and GERD. The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II, contributed substantially to his death. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral foot neuropathy have been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Thailand. The effective date is August 10, 2022.,Veteran has received VA and private treatment for these conditions since the PACT Act became effective.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic kidney disease is denied as his eGFR has not been below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or BUN and creatinine levels have not met the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for bronchitis, sinusitis, heart disease, and hypertension as there is no evidence of these conditions during active duty or within one year post-service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 1, 2013.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's service and his cause of death.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease as the evidence does not support a link to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected conditions, finding that he was not precluded from obtaining and/or maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and/or a special home adaptation grant is being remanded due to the need for further examination to determine his eligibility based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been dismissed. The appeal for hypertension was withdrawn by the Veteran, while the appeal for CAD prior to February 18, 2025, and higher than 60 percent thereafter has been dismissed due to a ministerial action in implementing the Board's decision.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of February 1, 2024 for the increased rating of 100 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD).,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for scars and hypertension was denied.,An effective date of September 25, 2024 is granted for service connection for scars.

The Board has granted service connection for supraventricular arrhythmias (atriial fibrillation) and coronary artery disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea. However, hypertension was not found to meet VA criteria for a current disability.

The Board has denied service connection for right hip condition, left hip condition, left foot neuropathy, and right foot neuropathy. Service connection for coronary artery disease is remanded.

Entitlement to a rating of 50 percent, but not higher, for chronic headache disorder is granted from April 22, 2023.,Entitlement to a rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for hemorrhoids is granted from April 22, 2024.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.,Service connection for coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction status post coronary artery bypass graft with stent is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood) is granted as secondary to tinnitus.,Service connection for right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is granted.,Service connection for left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy is granted.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease with acute, subacute, or old myocardial infarction is not manifested by a workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness or syncope, or with any evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilation on electrocardiogram or equivalent. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.