Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's heart condition is related to his presumed in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's heart disability is not considered to be caused by VA treatment, and the Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of additional disability resulting from VA care.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and service connection for peripheral neuropathy, upper extremities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to February 3, 2011, but remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition due to new and relevant evidence submitted after the January 1987 denial. The claims for shortness of breath, prostate condition, and sleep apnea are remanded as VA examinations are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of July 3, 2019. An effective date of July 3, 2019 is granted for the award of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease prior to August 29, 2019 was denied. A separate issue of entitlement to an initial 10 percent rating for his anterior chest scar (CABG) was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and CAD are currently rated at 50% and 30%, respectively, and the Board denied higher ratings. The Veteran was granted a TDIU from March 27, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been granted. The claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound due to a heart disorder, which may be related to asbestos exposure during active duty. A medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disability, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The issues are related to exposure to hazardous materials while stationed at Fort McClellan.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease was restored from 10% to 30%, effective October 1, 2013. The VA also granted restoration of his dependent spouse's VA disability compensation allowance, effective October 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the failure of VA to obtain updated treatment records from May 19, 2020 and June 8, 2020.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD. The claim for headaches is reopened, but remains in remand status due to insufficient VA opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral artery disease and entitlement to a total disability evaluation due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as they are inextricably intertwined. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PAD is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of cataracts due to a duty to assist error. The chest scar disability rating issue remains under review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and pancreatic duct lesion are remanded due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is required to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease, which includes exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand, is granted with an effective date of October 8, 2021. The PACT Act impacts the effective date selection.

The Board has determined that new evidence supports the need for readjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, which is currently pending. The case is being remanded to allow further development and consideration.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection under the PACT Act. His heart disability and lung disease are denied as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of coronary artery disease that began during active service.