Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding military environmental exposures and their relation to the Veteran's cause of death. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether it is approximately as likely as not that the Veteran's cause of death was related to such exposures.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be sudden cardiac arrest, which the Board found was caused by hypertension. As hypertension is service-connected, the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including his acquired psychiatric disorder and other conditions. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted from March 18, 2021.

The Board has denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease with revascularization and ischemic heart disease (heart disorder). The claims for right femoral nerve neuropathy, left femoral nerve neuropathy, right sciatic nerve neuropathy, and left sciatic nerve neuropathy are all remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding the issues on appeal. The case is being returned to the RO for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) due to exposure to herbicides, finding that the Veteran's duties did not place him on or near the base perimeter where herbicide use occurred.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's heart disability, including on a secondary basis due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's current heart disability is not related to his active duty service or his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and a lumbar spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and additional treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension disorder (claimed as hypertensive heart disease) due to potential verification of his claimed service in Vietnam and need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The claims for service connection are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disability, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate medical evidence and failure to provide VA examinations. The Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during active service is also under consideration.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's coronary artery disease for the period from December 1, 2016 to December 6, 2019 is denied a rating in excess of 60 percent. The Veteran is granted total disability due to individual unemployability.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for CAD and lumbar spine disability are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for service-connected unspecified depressive disorder, service connection for coronary artery disease secondary to service-connected unspecified depressive disorder, and TDIU due to unresolved issues regarding medical opinions and additional VA treatment records. The effective date of service connection remains April 7, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) is dismissed as he has been granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.,SMC benefits are granted, effective August 1, 2012, due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities requiring regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to outstanding private treatment records. The issues of rating coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction residuals, as well as TDIU, will be reconsidered after obtaining the requested authorization.

The Veteran's heart disability was rated at 30% prior to April 20, 2022 and at 60% thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under either Diagnostic Code 7005.

The Veteran's CAD disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to April 28, 2014.,The Veteran's CAD disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating from April 28, 2014 to February 3, 2015.,The Veteran's CAD disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating from February 3, 2015 to October 8, 2020.,The Veteran is currently in receipt of TDIU for the period from March 20, 2014 onward. The Board finds that this claim must be remanded to obtain a retrospective opinion regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to March 20, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU and established basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is currently rated at various levels, and he asserts entitlement to a higher rating. The Board has also remanded for further examination regarding psychiatric and gastrointestinal issues related to his IHD.