Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to herbicide agents. The peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities is not considered a direct result of his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus with bilateral peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a heart disorder, which he claims is related to injuries sustained during his active duty. The Board finds the duty to assist has not been met and remands the case for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease. His traumatic arthritis of the left knee remains at a 10% rating, but he is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) is presumed to have been incurred during active military service due to herbicide exposure. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, diagnosed as coronary artery disease, is granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The claim for higher initial ratings for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disorder. The Board denied service connection for hypertension and CAD with heart attack as secondary to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected heart and back disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee arthritis and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to his service due to exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's left knee disorder is not shown to have started in service, but the VA examiner opined it was not caused by service. The Veteran's heart condition is presumed as a result of his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred in service as a result of herbicide exposure during his service in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to his death, and denied entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The case is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicides during his service aboard the USS Bexar in Vietnam.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional information from his former employer regarding disability retirement and other service-connected disabilities. The issues of bilateral knee, kidney, and eye disabilities are also inextricably intertwined with the TDIU issue.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying opinions regarding the appellant's knee disorders and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's heart disorder, left elbow disorder, left foot/ankle disability, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The rating for the cervical spine disability has also been increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's death was found to be caused by ischemic heart disease, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure during service. As the presumptive service connection criteria were met, the claim for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his eligibility for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is found to be aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and thus secondary to it. As such, the Board grants service connection for a heart disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability had onset during his active military service and grants entitlement to service connection for a heart disability. The issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for varicose veins, right leg is remanded.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is service-connected. The gastrointestinal disorder and neuropsychological disability are pending as they have not been diagnosed in service.