Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of both hands or arms, which would entitle him to a higher rate of special monthly compensation. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD effective June 16, 2010. The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension are presumed to be due to exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his coronary artery disease is caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's claimed coronary artery disease and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service, nor are they proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected mitral regurgitation. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection under any theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the Veteran's claim.,The Veteran's loss of teeth is not considered service-connected for purposes of eligibility for dental treatment.

The Veteran's heart condition and respiratory condition were granted service connection with effective dates of December 19, 2008. Temporary total ratings based on hospitalization for the heart condition from December 19, 2008 to January 31, 2009, and following surgical treatment for a heart condition from February 1, 2009 to April 14, 2009 have also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cardiovascular disorder, finding that his pre-existing congenital heart defect did not worsen during service and was not aggravated by it.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart condition related to his service exposure to Agent Orange. He had pending claims for diabetes mellitus, chloracne, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) that were all presumed due to his service exposure to Agent Orange. Accrued benefits are granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's rheumatic heart disease is characterized by a METs level of at least 8 and an ejection fraction in excess of 50 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, hypertension, and left knee disability were not incurred or aggravated by his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disability, characterized as coronary artery disease and myocardial infarctions, is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, effective from December 8, 2003. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's cause of death is presumed to have been incurred in service due to his severe coronary artery disease, which was found to be a direct result of his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to address the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and heart disorder. The issues are related to whether these conditions are linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's complaints of difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain do not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a clinically significant heart abnormality.

The Veteran's cause of death, arteriosclerotic heart disease, is presumed to be due to exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Board grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiac disability, ischemic heart disease, was granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides. The reduction in the disability rating for residuals of prostate cancer from 100 percent to 60 percent was upheld as appropriate given the circumstances.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Richard L. Wright and ensuring all issues are addressed properly.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected coronary artery disease with prior myocardial infarction and remanded for further development.