Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hoarseness secondary to his cervical fusion of the lateral intervetebral disc C5-6 has been reopened and granted. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disability or continuity of symptomatology related to his in-service complaints. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have any diagnosed conditions, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease and its residuals is granted, as the condition is presumed to have been caused by his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board finds that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and left below-the-knee amputation are presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be due to his conceded in-service exposure to herbicides during his active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the cause of death and DIC benefits claims can be fully adjudicated. The Veteran died from respiratory arrest due to esophageal cancer, with protein malnutrition being one of the conditions contributing to his death but not related to the immediate cause.

The Board found no evidence of a current right leg, left leg, or heart condition related to service. The Veteran's claim for hernia and hypertension was also denied as there is insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The VA reduced the Veteran's rating for coronary artery disease from 60% to 10%, effective July 1, 2004. The Board found that the evidence did not show improvement in the condition and denied the reduction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, including as due to exposure to herbicides, is being remanded for additional development and consideration.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been incurred as a result of Agent Orange exposure during his active service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has been rated at 100 percent since July 2008, based on the severity of his symptoms including chronic congestive heart failure and limited physical activity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to herbicides, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's heart disorder is not service-connected, and his claim for TDIU due to cervical spine disability was denied.

The Veteran's death was due to nonservice-connected causes and he is not buried in a national cemetery. However, the appellant is eligible for a plot or interment allowance as he served on active duty and his death was from nonservice-connected causes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pain in the major joints, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a heart condition as secondary to his service-connected back disability. The increased rating claim for myofascial back pain syndrome was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of his employability status related to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination by a cardiologist to determine if his current heart disability is related to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease was increased from 30% to 60% effective June 8, 2011. The increase is based on the evidence showing that his condition has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The claim of service connection for heart disability, status post cardiac bypass with residual scarring remains under consideration.