Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's authorized representative prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that further development is needed to clarify the relationship between these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's heart disorder is presumed to be a result of exposure to herbicides, and grants service connection for ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and related conditions are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The acquired psychiatric disability is linked to the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's CAD was rated at 60 percent prior to February 1, 2007 and at 30 percent since then. The Board found no basis for a higher rating during any period of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and to consider whether a new hearing is needed. The Veteran's claims of service connection for mid-back contusion residuals, coronary artery disease (claimed as secondary to pericarditis), and chronic respiratory disability (COPD) are currently on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: an effective date for a 60 percent disability rating for heart disease and a TDIU. Both claims are currently pending, but the Board has not yet made a decision on them.

The Veteran died of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides during service. The Board grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by hypertension and dyslipidemia, which were incurred during his active service. As a result, the cause of death is now considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and an initial, compensable rating for mitral regurgitation due to incomplete examination reports and outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD but denied increased ratings for coronary artery disease. The effective date of the grant of service connection remains February 12, 2002.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, a psychiatric disability, a right eye disability, a heart disability, and a lung disability. The claim for a back disability was remanded.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a heart disability, which he claims is related to his service-connected hypertension. The Board has determined that additional evidence and an examination are needed as the Veteran did not report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety reaction is found to have caused or contributed substantially to his death from cardiovascular disease, which resulted in endocarditis and congestive heart failure. As a result, the claim for cause of death has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's heart disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus are presumed related to his service due to exposure to herbicides. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, a back condition, and COPD. The decision found that there was no evidence of an onset in service or relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this claim as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore denied his claim for service connection for the cause of death.