Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, prostate cancer residuals, hypertension, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment. His TDIU claim was granted effective from February 1, 2015.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is currently rated at 10 percent based on limitation of motion, and the Board finds this rating to be appropriate given his range of motion findings.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability evaluation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but these claims are being remanded due to additional development needs.,For the heart disorder claim, the Board is seeking clarification on whether it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service. For the psychiatric disorder claim, VA will attempt to obtain missing records from Dr. J., and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's death was attributed to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed due to his service-connected PTSD. The appeal for a back disability, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, and TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has been rated at 30 percent since August 19, 2014. The Board found that the disability picture most nearly approximated the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, COPD, CAD, and hypertension due to outstanding medical records not being obtained.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient information on the current level of disability caused by his service-connected conditions. He needs updated VA examinations for his heart, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the March 2017 decision denying service connection for a heart disorder, a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, and determining there was no CUE in a May 1993 rating decision is vacated due to procedural errors. The appeal of whether CUE occurred in the May 1993 rating decision is deemed abandoned by the Court. The March 2017 Board decision is hereby vacated as to the CUE issue due to the due process violation. The claims for service connection for a heart disorder, an initial compensable rating for cervical spine disability prior to September 6, 2006, and a compensable rating for hemorrhoids are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his satisfaction with the current 100% disability rating for hypertensive heart disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for CAD is dismissed. The issues on appeal are remanded for a determination regarding the appropriate ratings for CAD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's diagnosed heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, fall within the definition of ischemic heart disease. The Veteran is requested to be examined by a VA examiner to determine if his heart disorders are related to service, particularly given his exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, finding that all reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence. The claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including fainting disorder, right arm disorder, heart condition with an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, bilateral leg disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The appellant did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions at the time of his claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hypertension from August 31, 2001 to May 19, 2018 is denied as the evidence does not show diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more during this period.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted with an effective date of January 13, 2012.

The Board has remanded the claims for 'effective date of award' challenges and noninitial increased rating claims for PTSD, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to ischemic heart disease, which the Board found was caused by exposure to herbicides while stationed at a Thai air base. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and related conditions have been rated at 40 percent since June 1, 2009. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability has also been granted from June 1, 2009 to October 20, 2010.