Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to August 24, 2014 for service connection of heart disease and SMC at the housebound rate under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).,The Board found that there was no earlier claim of service connection or entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate prior to August 24, 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic heart condition arrhythmia, a low back condition, and a left heel injury due to the lack of evidence showing current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on the service-connected CAD was denied as he did not meet the schedular requirements.,VA denied the establishment of basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits prior to January 29, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and left ear hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits, other than employment services, to pursue additional education or training to become a Physician Assistant (PA) or Doctor (MD), finding that she already had the necessary education and skills to obtain suitable employment without further training.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease (including arteriosclerotic heart disease) is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death, and therefore he qualifies for service-connected burial benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has remanded his claims for an increased rating and TDIU. The issues of service connection for TIA and TDIU on an extraschedular basis are also being addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have aggravated his pre-existing coronary artery disease, leading to angina. Service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Veteran's nerve condition, pes planus, metatarsalgia, hallux valgus, and arthritis of the bilateral feet are granted. The back condition and valvular heart disease secondary to service-connected hypertension are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service-connected heart conditions and left carotid artery blockage, including obtaining an opinion on the etiology of the left carotid artery blockage.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his back disability was denied. The claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertensive heart disease with fatigue and shortness of breath, hypertension based on the PACT Act, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a right hip disorder were all denied.

The Board denied the service connection for cause of death, finding that none of the Veteran's heart diagnoses, including hypertension, caused or contributed to his causes of death. The PACT Act presumption was applied to hypertension.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for a death pension due to her income exceeding the applicable maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).

The Veteran was granted TDIU benefits as of October 16, 2012. He also received SMC based on aid and attendance as of the same date.,An effective date of May 28, 2011, for TDIU benefits was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, valvular heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, fungal infection of the left toe, and bilateral hearing loss, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since May 11, 2021. The Board has granted a TDIU effective as of that date.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's heart disability, specifically the March 1985 in-service heart condition. The Veteran needs a new VA medical opinion to determine if his valvular heart disease is related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertensive heart disease as secondary to his service-connected essential hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, pre-ventricular contraction, and cervical dysplasia are granted. Service connection is denied for cervical dysplasia.