Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including cancer of the left pharyngeal tonsil, ischemic heart disease, bilateral swelling of the feet, headaches, PTSD, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disability to include acid reflux, sleeping disorders to include sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, skin disorder (chloracne), bleeding from the nose and mouth, tinnitus, an upper back and/or neck disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision does not specify a rating assigned or effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities of GERD, depressive disorder, and a heart disability, is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinion.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of the issue concerning a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for hypertensive heart disease, valvular heart disease with left atrial enlargement, dilated aortic root, and increasing aortic insufficiency (previously claimed as valvular heart disease). The claim for a compensable rating for hypertension remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's current cardiac disability will be evaluated to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's death was caused by multiple cerebrovascular accidents, which were significantly contributed to by coronary artery disease (CAD), presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The medical opinion supports the conclusion that CAD caused or contributed substantially to the cause of death.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims is related to his service-connected coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that additional development of the record is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including as due to exposure to herbicides, is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The heart condition, hip disability, and right shoulder disability were also not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing due to his request for one.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his desire to withdraw all remaining issues on appeal, including the effective date for PTSD.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease is proximately due to his previously service-connected hypertension, and the Board grants secondary service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeals for all issues.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to September 3, 2004 for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease is denied. The case is now being remanded for further development regarding the issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to myxomatous valve disease, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between the two conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for atherosclerotic heart disease from 100% to 60%, effective July 1, 2010, was proper based on evidence showing the Veteran's maximum workload capacity had improved. The TDIU claim is denied as there is no evidence showing the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease was also denied.