Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his death from pancreatic cancer.

The Board has determined that an additional medical opinion is needed to determine whether there is a nexus between the Veteran’s causes of death and his service-connected disabilities. The cause of death claim could directly impact the DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, pre-skin cancer/cancer, heart condition, and tonsillitis are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% after December 7, 2016. The initial rating for PTSD prior to that date and the initial rating for CAD remain denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) because the Veteran did not file a claim prior to May 2014, and the earliest possible effective date was assigned.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and heart condition, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for OSA disability. The issues are related to secondary service connection due to pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's request to reopen a claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied. Service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is also denied, as the evidence does not establish that it is related to his military service or herbicide exposure. The claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder disability and residuals of bilateral leg injury are remanded for further examination. The rating for low back disability and radiculopathy of both lower extremities are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and prostate cancer have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the diseases are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease, including whether these conditions are related to service, particularly exposure to herbicide agents. The cause of death is being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 10, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter is dismissed. The claim for service connection for a right foot condition and a left foot condition was previously denied by a January 2009 rating decision; the Veteran did not appeal the decision and documentation constituting new and material evidence was not actually or constructively received within the one-year appeal period. New and material evidence having been received, reopening of the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability is granted. The issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (previously ischemic heart disease) and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, hypertension, vision loss, and lower back disability due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,VA also determined that the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for entitlement to an increased evaluation in excess of 0 percent for erectile dysfunction due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The heart disability and sleep apnea claims have been denied as there is no evidence showing a current diagnosis or service connection, respectively. The eczema claim was remanded with no new rating assigned.

The Veteran's heart disability, hypertension, and diabetes are being remanded due to their potential secondary relationship to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a low back disability, joint pain, Hepatitis C and an enlarged heart have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not establish that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection of heart disability due to exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. The evidence did not show a disability incurred in or related to the Veteran's active service.

All issues related to service connection are remanded. The Veteran's other specified trauma and stressor disorder is rated 70% throughout the appeal period, but COPD, hernia, and aortic aneurysm claims remain unresolved.,The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the remaining service connection issues.

The claim to reopen the previously denied service connection for the cause of death is granted. The case is remanded due to incomplete in-service treatment records and a need for an opinion on whether the Veteran's conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease (CAD)/heart disease, memory loss, Bell’s Palsy, psoriasis, and chronic pain disorder due to outstanding treatment records not being in evidence. The Veteran's service connection claims are remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment medical records from earlier than October 31, 2012.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for a heart disorder, bilateral knee and hip disorders, and skin disorder of the toes are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining private treatment records and VA opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities. The appeal is not about service connection at all.