Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease, both of which are presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also granted as secondary to the service-connected conditions. Service connection for hypertension remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ASCAD) associated with diabetes mellitus, type II from June 1, 2007, was denied. His TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was anoxic encephalopathy secondary to cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction and failure, acute renal failure needing dialysis, and respiratory failure needing ventilator support. The appellant asserts that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his heart disease, which led to his death. The Board finds that VA records may contain relevant information and requests for such records be made. Additionally, a medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran had an ischemic heart condition before his death and whether it was related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atherosclerotic heart disease is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board affirmed the RO's denial of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran seeks service connection for heart disease and a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or home adaptations. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded due to unclear reasons and potential issues with VA facilities' capacity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's heart disability is not service connected, but his psychiatric disability (depression) may be secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, heart disorder, and right knee internal derangement were denied. The claim for an effective date earlier than December 17, 2005 for PTSD was also denied as there is no legal basis to grant such a date. Service connection for the remaining conditions was not granted due to lack of evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, both presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, are granted. The claim for hypertension is denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to service. The cause of death claim is also denied due to lack of evidence connecting the Veteran's death to any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to ischemic heart disease, hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure and diabetes. However, there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities may be presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange, and thus grants a claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the presence of Spanish-language documents in his file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder was granted. However, the appeal regarding his PTSD rating prior to February 22, 2005 and on and after that date is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus (due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to coronary artery disease. Service connection is denied for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and kidney disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a statement of the case on service connection for coronary artery disease and an examination to determine his employability.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant did not meet the legal requirements for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic nephritis, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, was granted a disability rating of 60 percent effective May 26, 2010.