Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment at Halifax Medical Center from September 8, 2008 to September 15, 2008 are approved as the VA facility was not feasibly available and delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability with tachycardia was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, it may not be presumed to have been incurred therein, and was not caused or aggravated by service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death, which was caused by a myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected rheumatic heart disease, which preexisted service and may have been aggravated during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have resulted from his service in Vietnam, and he is granted service connection. The Veteran's back condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease with history of myocardial infarction and hypertension, as well as left ankle degenerative joint disease and left leg disability, were denied. The Board found that the current disabilities are not attributable to his period of military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine his eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA physician to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder contributed substantially or materially to his death from coronary artery disease.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his heart disability, which includes atherosclerotic heart disease and diastolic dysfunction. The appeal is currently remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ateriosclerotic heart disease, bilateral arteriosclerosis obliterans, bilateral hearing loss, and residuals of a fracture of the right hand, preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is granted. The claims of service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and esophageal ulcers are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current heart disorder is not related to his active duty service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to a change in the law regarding service connection for ischemic heart disease, which may apply to this case. The appellant's claim will be remanded for further action.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right wrist disorder is due to his military service.,There is no current evidence of a heart disorder in the claims file.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or due to service.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, is considered the cause of his death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for coronary artery disease, which he contends is related to his military service. The Board has determined that a VA examination and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's current heart condition is related to his military service.