Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been incurred during service due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerotic heart disease, which is considered service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's myocardial infarction and CAD were not caused by his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The most probative evidence indicated that OSA did not cause these conditions.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility were not covered by VA because the care was for a non-service-connected condition and he had other health insurance that paid most of the costs.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus contributed to his death from arteriosclerotic heart disease, leading to fatal cardiac dysrhythmia. The Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease with residuals of a myocardial infarction and stent is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is related to herbicide exposure in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage due to metastatic melanoma.

The Board has determined that the October 2007 rating decision denying a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus did not contain clear and unmistakable error. The Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral vascular disease was denied in an earlier decision, but new evidence has been received since then to reopen this claim.

The Veteran's postoperative residuals of coronary artery disease are granted as service connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's heart disease, including coronary artery disease and ventricular tachycardia, is being remanded for further development to determine if service connection can be established due to exposure to Agent Orange or as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of rheumatic heart disease do not currently cause any residual disability, and his current heart conditions are unrelated to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's heart condition, diagnosed as coronary artery disease and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure during his active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his complete service treatment records and scheduling appropriate VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, as secondary to PTSD. The evidence shows that his hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.,The Board has also granted service connection for coronary artery disease and stroke with right-sided weakness, both found to be caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred during active military service as a result of exposure to herbicides. The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including peripheral vascular disease and right leg amputation, on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation is 70 percent, and he does not meet the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

For the period dated from March 14, 2008 to June 29, 2008, the Veteran's CAD was not manifested by chronic congestive heart failure; or workload of 3 METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.,For the period dated from June 30, 2008 to May 26, 2009, the Veteran's CAD was not manifested by more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; or workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.,For the period since May 27, 2009, the Veteran's CAD was not manifested by chronic congestive heart failure; or workload of 3 METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including a VA Compensation and Pension Examination to determine if there is a prostate disability related to service. The Veteran's request for a hearing at the RO or Central Office will be considered.