Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his coronary artery disease (CAD) post stent placement is granted, with an initial rating of 60 percent from September 1, 2016 through January 24, 2020. The issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for shell fragment wound (SFW) residuals of the left submandibular and lower right paracervical areas with retained foreign bodies is denied.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) post stent placement was rated based on its severity, frequency, and duration. The Board found that his condition did not meet criteria for a higher 100 percent rating due to the absence of chronic congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 20, 2014. His TDIU claim is denied.

An effective date of March 3, 2015, for a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted.,A 100 percent rating as of June 14, 2017, but no earlier, for CAD is granted.,An effective date of June 14, 2017, but no earlier, for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted.,A rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD for accrued benefits is denied.,A rating higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII), with erectile dysfunction, for accrued benefits is denied.,Rating higher than 30 percent prior to August 9, 2019, and higher than 60 percent thereafter for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension for accrued benefits is denied.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is granted service connection, while his right ear hearing loss and other conditions are denied. Service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) is remanded.

The Veteran's entitlement to a higher rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) was granted from February 11, 2020 to June 30, 2020. The effective date of the grant is not specified.

The Board denied eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a December 2011 rating decision because there was no final decision addressing the merits of the service connection claim.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for coronary artery disease, increased rating for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and increased rating for osteoarthritis of the right shoulder. Additional development is required to address outstanding VA treatment records, obtain Workman's Compensation records, and provide a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's heart claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, as it is not manifested by specific symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 50%; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his time at U-Tapao RTAFB. However, the claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to the heart condition is denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, multiple myeloma, and diabetes mellitus type II due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Board found no direct or presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and will address the TDIU claim after resolving the service connection issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass grafting, as secondary to a service-connected disability. The case is remanded for further development regarding an evaluation of the service-connected mitral and/or tricuspid insufficiency and for verification of any potential asbestos exposure during active duty.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 60% disability rating for service-connected coronary artery disease status-post CABG, finding that the reduction was not proper and that there is no actual change in the disability based on a review of the entire history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient development. The heart disability claim remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service manifestation or chronicity within one year after separation. The Board also found that coronary artery disease is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, lower back condition, and radiculopathies (sciatica) have been granted. A 100% disability rating has been assigned for CAD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating from April 25, 2018. The Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination records. Service connection for any heart disorder and both hand disorders are also remanded as they may be related to service-connected PTSD or other factors.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for the Veteran's atherosclerotic coronary artery disease with cardiac bypass prior to February 27, 2020. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran’s heart condition manifested in a METs level of 1-3 resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, and dizziness.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected cardiac arrhythmia is being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for ocular hypertension and coronary artery disease, finding that these conditions were not incurred or caused by active service. The Veteran's current diagnoses of ocular hypertension and coronary artery disease are considered to be unrelated to his military service.