Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2026

The Board denied service connection for COPD as secondary to myocardial infarction with CAD and ischemic cardiomyopathy due to the weight of evidence not supporting a causal link between these conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are presumed to be related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically C-123 aircraft used during the Vietnam era. The Board granted service connection for these conditions based on this presumption.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with bipolar depression), residuals of a stroke, and heart disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding participation in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). The AOJ must confirm whether the Veteran participated in a TERA and undertake appropriate development, including providing a TERA examination if confirmed.

The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, but the RO's subsequent decisions were found to be invalid due to a claims processing error. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and he is currently employed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, heart disability, diabetic neuropathies of various nerves, and erectile dysfunction are all granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of ischemic heart disease, finding that there is no medical evidence indicating a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's effective dates for stroke, aortic aneurysm, and atrial fibrillation have been granted. The effective date for ischemic heart disease has not been established.,Increased ratings for hypertension and atrial fibrillation have been denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, a heart condition, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of compliance with prior remand directives regarding potential service within the 12-mile nautical boundary of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 30 percent prior to January 7, 2021, and greater than 60 percent after that date is denied.,The AOJ must address whether any or all of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities impacted his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment during the period in question.

The Board has remanded the claims for heart disease, hypertension, bilateral foot disability (including plantar fasciitis and pes planus), right knee pain, right shoulder pain, sciatica, and sleep disorder due to a deficiency in the record prior to the decision on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a heart disability other than hypertension, hypertensive heart disease, and valvular heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's heart disability, including his service-connected hypertension. The matter is now before the Board for further consideration.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding no evidence to substantiate the Appellant's contention that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service and thus denying the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, status post stent placement, was rated at 100% disability from January 8, 2016. The appellant is seeking an increased amount of DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(a)(2) due to the Veteran being in receipt of a total (100%) disability rating for eight years immediately preceding his death. However, the claim was denied as the duration did not meet the requirement of eight years.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange, is granted as he served in or near the DMZ during a period of presumed exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for effective dates and initial ratings related to hypertension and generalized anxiety disorder associated with coronary artery disease due to a lack of valid notice of disagreement filed by any eligible party.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service or exposure to herbicide agents in Korea.