Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease, status post stents, and myocardial infarction.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including sinusitis, respiratory disability (asbestosis and asthma), neuropathy of the lower left extremity, neuropathy of the right left extremity, thoracic aortic aneurism, and ischemic heart disease. These claims are based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, including potential herbicide exposure and service-connected conditions.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the prior February 2022 Board remand directives and a remand is necessary for all Veteran's claims on appeal.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and alcoholic neuropathy are rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of claim. The other issues have been addressed as per the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disability related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.,The Veteran's gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, right leg peripheral neuropathy, and neck arthritis are remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's estate is not entitled to the full $56,587.30 check due to his death before VA could issue a favorable rating decision.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart attack, which is presumed to be related to his herbicide exposure during service. The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) contributed substantially or materially to his death and granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are inadequate for adjudication purposes and requires an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's residuals of a stroke were caused or aggravated by his service-connected heart disability, as well as whether it was caused or aggravated by his brain aneurysm.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of coronary artery disease has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate this claim as it is no longer relevant.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, finding that the Veteran's current heart disabilities are not related to his active service.,The Board also denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, concluding that it is not related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to October 1, 2013. Effective October 1, 2013, the criteria for a TDIU were met.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether ischemic heart disease contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's cause of death, and if so, whether it was related to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the conditions were not incurred or caused by service, including as a result of herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted a TDIU from April 16, 2012. However, the case is remanded for consideration of whether a TDIU was warranted prior to that date on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims, evaluations of disabilities, and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction evaluation was withdrawn.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, including whether it is related to his diabetes and/or coronary artery disease, as well as herbicide exposure. The case is being remanded.