Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus due to new evidence received. However, further research is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while in service on the USS Enterprise in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his acute cardiac dysrhythmia and atherosclerotic heart disease to service.,Service connection for the right hip disability was denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory disorder, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to alleged exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD is denied. The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected CAD prior to July 5, 2019, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter is remanded.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is warranted due to his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected CAD is currently rated at 10 percent from December 17, 2012 to November 7, 2019 and at 30 percent thereafter. The claim for higher ratings for CAD is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, and lower extremities are all rated at 10 percent. The claims for higher ratings are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) secondary to service-connected frostbite of the bilateral feet with obesity as an intermediate step, and also granted service connection for cause of death due to metastatic gastric cancer. The decision is based on medical opinions linking the Veteran's CAD to his service-connected frostbite.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent disabling for ischemic heart disease, and the Board dismissed the case.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for nephropathy and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.

The Board has granted the initial grant of service connection for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ, but found that severance was improper. The appeal is granted in these matters. However, the appeal regarding an increased rating for arteriosclerotic heart disease remains pending as it requires further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass graft has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to incomplete VA treatment records and a lack of VA examination in connection with these claims.

The Veteran's GERD and coronary artery disease (CAD) are both being remanded for further evaluation. The GERD requires a new VA examination to assess its severity, while the CAD needs an examination to determine if it is service-connected or aggravated by GERD.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are granted as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The left foot condition, bilateral hallux valgus, and left ankle condition are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for CAD, beginning October 8, 2020, is denied.,Other claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus due to failure of the VA Regional Office to substantially comply with previous remands. The claims are now being reviewed again.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board remands the cases for bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease (due to herbicide exposure), and hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support the Veteran's contention of in-service herbicide exposure and there was no probative medical opinion linking his current IHD to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart condition and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities such as respiratory/pulmonary disability, heart disability (coronary artery disease), hypertension, circulatory disability, skin condition (solar lentigo), sleep apnea, allergies, general arthralgia, right eye disability, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues have been remanded due to inadequate record and need for additional development.