Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a TERA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's causes of death are related to his service-connected conditions and exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss, or establishing service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), deviated septum, carpal tunnel syndrome of the upper extremities, acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, sleep apnea, and peripheral vascular disease.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral dry eye syndrome was granted. The heart disability claim, including hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, bradycardia, and valvular heart disease, was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist. The conditions are all found to be related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to toxic substances at Redstone Arsenal.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis of the medial patellofemoral compartment as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The heart disease claim is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his ability to perform most activities of daily living independently despite some limitations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction have been granted with an effective date of August 2, 2023.,VA received the Veteran's formal claim on August 2, 2023, which was after the January 1, 2020, effective date of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. The claims were granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents while serving in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for valvular heart disease, secondary to hypertension. The issues of service connection for bruxism and loss of teeth are remanded due to the need for VA examinations. Service connection for chronic kidney disease is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) and congestive heart failure, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his military service or toxic exposures. The PACT Act was applied in this case.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disorder (CAD) due to in-service herbicide exposure, but the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and hypertension are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Korea.

The Veteran is granted effective dates for awards of SMC at various rates, with the earliest being December 13, 2023. The SMC is awarded based on his service-connected conditions and their impact on his daily life.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction, coronary artery disease, and hypothyroidism as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a duty to assist error.

The Board has granted effective dates of August 22, 2023 for the awards of service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease (CAD), special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria (SMC), and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 21, 2020 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with prior remand directives and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's heart disability severity and his ability to mow the lawn.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The case was remanded for further development.,The claims of service connection for skin cancer and respiratory disability remain pending and are being remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of specific dates of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA). The cause of death is related to a congenital heart condition, but there are conflicting opinions regarding its onset during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability and remanded the issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability caused by an adverse reaction to CT scan contrast dye.