Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease was denied. The claim was granted on a presumptive basis under the Agent Orange Act of 1991, but the Board found that no earlier effective date could be assigned as there is no evidence showing the Veteran filed a claim within one year of his separation from active service in October 1967 or before May 3, 1989. The appeal for other conditions was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA medical opinion to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed coronary artery disease (CAD), including whether it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure during service. The issues of increased ratings for radiculopathy and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's disability rating for service-connected coronary artery disease was reduced from 60 to 10 percent by a June 2016 rating decision. The Board found the examination inadequate and remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is currently rated at 30 percent, effective July 5, 2020. The Board denied an increased rating for the condition prior to that date and also denied service connection for nerve problems in the neck causing pain in the right arm.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression. The reasons are that there were inadequate nexus opinions provided by VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, hypertension, and respiratory condition due to potential in-service exposure to herbicide agents and/or JP4 jet fuel. The Veteran's service records indicate he worked on aircraft during his active duty.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to atherosclerotic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, finding that these conditions were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service military sexual trauma during his first period of active duty service. Service connection for PTSD has been granted.,Sleep apnea is presumed to have had its onset during basic training, which occurred within the initial year after service of the Veteran's first period of honorable active duty.

The Veteran's service connection for heart disease is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents while stationed at Camp Friendship in Thailand.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected heart condition, including coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, is rated at 100 percent from November 1, 2013, through July 14, 2019, and beginning January 15, 2020.,The appeal for entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected heart condition is dismissed as the grant of a 100 percent rating has rendered it moot.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying the Veteran's work history. The heart disability case is also being remanded due to a recent heart attack.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not require regulation of activities to control his diabetes and thus could not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under DC 7913. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted as he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disorder, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and kidney disorder due to service connection issues.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disorder, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and kidney disorder due to service connection issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for erectile dysfunction, respiratory condition, skin condition, CAD, and diverticulosis due to inadequate examination findings. The examiner is asked to address whether these conditions are related to service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease (CAD) is granted, effective July 16, 2013. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to a higher disability rating and total disability based on individual unemployability due to worsening symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for the issues of hypertension, left leg/calf disability, left ear hearing loss, coronary artery disease (CAD), and a neck disability.,The Veteran's current left shoulder disability was not shown to be due to an in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's attorney requested additional information about the qualifications of certain examiners and needs clarification on whether the Veteran's obesity caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.