Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability and a heart disability, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an adequate etiological opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected hypertension and/or hypertensive heart disease caused or contributed to his death. The VA examiner is requested to provide fully reasoned responses addressing the inquiries.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD). The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has now remanded the case to the Board, requiring that the Board address new evidence submitted by the Veteran and determine if CAD warranted a higher rating prior to March 1, 2024.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of Sleep Apnea Syndromes, Posttraumatic stress disorder, and Arteriosclerotic heart disease due to untimely filing of a VA Form 10182.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Parkinson's disease, coronary artery disease with cardiac stent, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied. An effective date earlier than August 5, 2022 for a 100% rating for insomnia disorder with alcohol use disorder was also denied.

The Veteran is granted a higher level of SMC at the intermediary level N1/2 from October 20, 2020 to June 7, 2022. This decision resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU and DEA benefits prior to November 20, 2015, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU or eligibility for DEA benefits at that time.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and hypertension, finding the evidence does not support a link to active service or any service-connected condition.,Specifically, VA examiners determined that CABG was less likely due to bronchial asthma and PTSD, while hypertension was less likely due to bronchial asthma and PTSD.

The Board has restored an earlier effective date of June 6, 2010 for the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease due to procedural errors in the July 2025 rating decision.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for atrial fibrillation secondary to service-connected CAD, but the claims of higher ratings for CAD and atrial fibrillation are remanded. Service connection for a sleep disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied. The effective date of eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is granted, but not earlier than December 8, 2011. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart and gastrointestinal disabilities due to incomplete development of the record, including obtaining relevant medical records and opinions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease was denied. The appeal resulted in an increase to a 100% disability rating effective November 12, 2024, and the award of SMC at the housebound rate from that date. Prior to this, he received a 60% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart and skin disabilities due to conflicting toxic exposure related activity (TERA) memoranda. The case is returned for further development and readjudication, including obtaining a new VA medical opinion based on the type of toxin exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is granted as secondary to her service-connected hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II. The cervical spine disorder and left knee disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disability (secondary to right knee disability), heart condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to duty-to-assist errors in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, insomnia, facial burn, skin disability, right hand scar, and heart disability have been denied as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis or relationship to service.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective November 18, 2017, based on his service-connected coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder with insomnia. The decision found that the Veteran retired due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, low back disability, peripheral vascular diseases of both lower extremities, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, onychomycosis, hypertension, and skin cancer. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and additional medical opinions are needed regarding the Veteran's cause of death, including his service-connected traumatic brain injury and exposure to fuel products.