Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for a heart disability. The Board denied claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and lordosis of the thoracic spine as there is no verified in-service stressor or credible supporting evidence that the claimed events occurred.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone render him unable to care for most of his daily personal needs or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment without the assistance of others, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current right leg and back disabilities to his active service, including any herbicide exposure. The claims were denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is aggravated by his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease has been increased to 60 percent effective June 9, 2011. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's back injury and heart disease are not related to his military service, with the exception of a spinal tap during service which may have caused nerve damage. The Board concluded that there is no evidence linking these conditions directly to his time in the military.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims for skin rash, hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease/coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disorder, liver disorder, and vision disorder. The Veteran's service connection claims were denied as there is no medical evidence demonstrating these conditions were incurred during active service.

The Board has determined that coronary artery disease is likely as not incurred during active service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 30, 2007 for service connection of arteriosclerotic heart disease was granted. However, his claim for service connection of hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus type II was denied.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in service. The claim for valvular heart disease remains pending as it does not fall under the presumptive criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dental problems, a heart disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were based on direct service connection criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's request, and will consider all issues related to service connection and increased ratings.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including anal fissures, pancreatitis, and Cushing's syndrome, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities or active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and stent placement is being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of dates of active service and obtaining updated medical records.

The Veteran's death was caused by prostate cancer, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 40% rating for his service-connected lumbar spine DDD and granted entitlement to a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was granted effective March 17, 2006. The decision is based on the merits of his case and not due to any presumption or reopening of a previously denied claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, and a skin condition and scar, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, rendered him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Service connection is granted for these conditions due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.