Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the case due to a change in regulations regarding service connection for PTSD, and will also review the claim for secondary service connection of a heart disorder.

The Board finds that the appellant sustained cold injury during active service and, considering all evidence of record, including his in-service exposure to subfreezing temperatures without adequate protection, as well as post-service medical records showing symptoms consistent with cold injury residuals, there is sufficient evidence to grant service connection for residuals of cold injury to the upper and lower extremities. The Board also finds that the appellant's current low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and heart disability are related to his in-service exposure to subfreezing temperatures.

The Board found that the causes of the Veteran's death (acute anterior myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and hyperlipidemia) were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also determined that these conditions are not related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be related to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent. The Board finds that service connection for the condition is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition secondary to hyperthyroidism, finding that the heart condition was not proximately due to or the result of service-connected hyperthyroidism.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's death was caused by heart failure due to, or as a consequence of pulmonary embolism and other significant conditions including coronary artery disease and pulmonary hypertension. As the Veteran served in Vietnam and is presumed exposed to herbicides, his service-connected coronary artery disease is deemed to be related to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinea versicolor, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, a heart disability, and kidney stones as there is no current disability associated with these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure, but denied the other claims.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during his service in Vietnam. The Board has granted the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied, and his claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability due to Agent Orange exposure was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate any regulation of activities required for a higher evaluation for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred during his active service in the Republic of Vietnam, and he was granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity venous thrombophlebitis, high cholesterol, hernia, edema, heart disability (presumably referring to heart disease), and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for psychiatric disability, claimed as depression and PTSD, due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and active service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and to ensure proper notice under applicable regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disability is denied as the evidence does not support a link between his current condition and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease was incurred during his second period of active service. The hypertension claim is remanded for further clarification regarding whether it worsened during service.

The Veteran's heart disease is currently rated at 60 percent, effective January 15, 2003. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.