Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD and heart condition are both being remanded for further evaluation. The PTSD case requires a new VA examination to assess its current severity, while the heart condition case needs an examination to determine if it is related to service-connected PTSD or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and papillary thyroid cancer on the basis of exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Guam. The Veteran's lay testimony regarding his exposure is considered credible, and a medical opinion supports the link between these conditions and Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the claim for burial benefits is also remanded due to potential exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for cause of death may be granted if it can be shown that his coronary artery disease was caused by herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's increased initial rating for coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease (CAD) is granted to 100 percent effective January 3, 2022. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted effective January 3, 2022.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information about the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Korea, specifically near the DMZ. The appellant needs to provide more details or contact the VA for assistance.

The Board has remanded the claims for benign essential tremors and heart disability due to herbicide exposure, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service. A VA medical opinion will be obtained.

The Veteran's congenital bicuspid valve is not service-connected, but his heart disability (bicuspid aortic valve disease and aortic aneurysm) is granted as aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent prior to October 30, 2019, for his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no link between the Veteran's psychiatric disability and the condition.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder is granted an increased rating to 100 percent effective April 3, 2017. The other claims are denied as new and material evidence has not been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation during the period of March 31, 2016 to November 13, 2016.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for coronary artery disease is granted, and he is also awarded special monthly compensation at the housebound rate. However, an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected condition is denied.

The Veteran's death was attributed to pancreatic insufficiency, sepsis, atrial fibrillation, and pneumonia. The Board is seeking additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his alcohol abuse and its relation to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease is granted as secondary to herbicide agent exposure.,PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent, with no further issues on appeal regarding this condition.,Bilateral hearing loss has a non-compensable rating.,Prostate cancer remains in remission; the Veteran's current symptoms do not warrant an increased rating.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve) is rated at 10 percent prior to January 4, 2017 and at 20 percent from that date onward.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (femoral nerve) remains at a 20 percent rating.,Peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is rated at 40 percent, with no further issues on appeal regarding this condition.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is rated at 40 percent, with no further issues on appeal regarding this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and is dismissed due to the request for withdrawal by his authorized representative.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and related peripheral neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy (end-stage renal disease) and diabetic retinopathy have all been granted. The PACT Act presumption of herbicide exposure is not applicable to these conditions.

The Veteran's CAD with stable angina is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record. The issue of SMC based upon need for aid and attendance remains remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to September 23, 2020.

The Veteran's initial claim for erectile dysfunction was denied in April 2018, but a compensable rating is not granted due to the absence of a penis deformity.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ were awarded effective August 31, 2010. The Veteran's initial claim for DM2 was denied in April 2018 with an effective date set at March 14, 2010.,The RO found clear and unmistakable error in the November 2013 rating decision that assigned a March 14, 2010 effective date for the initial 20% disability rating for DM2.

The Veteran died of respiratory failure, coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular accident, and atrial fibrillation. The Board denied service connection for cause of death, entitlement to a survivor's pension, and entitlement to accrued benefits as there was no indication that any of these conditions were related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient efforts in obtaining relevant medical records and for a VA examination.