Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Veteran's heart condition is rated at 60 percent disabling prior to December 4, 2020. The Board denied a higher evaluation and TDIU based on the evidence showing that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension effective from August 10, 2022 under the PACT Act. The claim of service connection for ischemic heart disease prior to that date is remanded due to pre-decisional failure of duty to assist.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted in April 2020 with an effective date of February 21, 2018. The Board denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to his physical limitations and combined disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction is remanded due to insufficient information regarding his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board requests verification of the Veteran's participation in classified missions in Thailand and Vietnam during his active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The rating reduction from 10% to 0% for the service-connected TBI was improper, and restoration of the 10% rating is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease were granted service connection, with the CAD receiving a higher rating. The TDIU claim was deferred.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been found to meet the criteria for a compensable initial evaluation.,The Veteran's scars from coronary artery bypass graft surgery are being remanded for further examination and rating.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection and ratings for coronary artery disease (CAD) with stents. The Board denied these requests as there was no evidence that the disability warranted earlier effective dates.,The Veteran also sought an earlier effective date for DEA benefits based on permanent total disability status due to CAD. The Board found this request not applicable since the effective date for DEA benefits was predicated on the 100 percent rating for CAD.

The Veteran is granted eligibility for specially adapted housing and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including a below-the-knee amputation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and coronary artery disease are granted on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism is granted on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act. However, verification of service in Vietnam is needed to determine if an earlier effective date can be assigned.,The right knee disability is remanded for further development and medical opinion.

The Board has granted effective dates prior to October 28, 2019, for the Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease is granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service within the twelve nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam.

The Veteran's attorney waived the fees awarded for service connection and TDIU, so the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a heart condition due to duty-to-assist errors and internal inconsistencies in the examination report. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an earlier effective date for hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 and entitlement to a compensable rating for hypertension. The Veteran's representative argued that he should have an earlier effective date based on the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for valvular heart disease effective June 28, 2019. The decision is based on the Veteran's initial claim submitted on that date.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to address the relationship between the Veteran's previously service-connected conditions and his cause of death. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The appeal for service connection on five conditions (heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, left foot swelling, and left leg swelling) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.