Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's heart condition did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, thus denying his claim.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a heart condition, which he claims is related to military service and/or exposure to herbicides. The appeal is currently remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, as his acquired psychiatric disorder and alcohol addiction were likely due to his military service but did not result from it.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining social security records and private medical records, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's heart disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and loss of vision in the left eye due to a heart disability are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease was not manifested by chronic congestive heart failure, an exercise tolerance of 3 METs or less, or a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30 percent prior to March 29, 2013. Therefore, the claim for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service, exposure to herbicides, and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral aphakia, shrapnel wound to the right upper leg, CAD, and other conditions, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of a TDIU, which was granted on August 30, 2004. The Board is remanding the case to determine if the March 17, 2008 rating decision granting a TDIU prior to May 29, 2001 should be considered effective.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for dyslipidemia, as it is a laboratory finding and not a disability under VA law. The Veteran's claims of increased PTSD rating, diabetes mellitus type II, and heart disability to include hypertension are being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA medical care, and thus denied DIC benefits based on 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have ischemic heart disease and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder was granted, with a current disability rating of 50 percent. The case also addressed the issue of service connection for coronary artery disease due to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and resulted in a grant of this claim.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any heart condition, including ischemic heart disease. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus or peripheral neuropathy in service, and the Veteran's statements regarding these conditions were not credible. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) was denied as there is no verified stressor consistent with his active service. Coronary artery disease was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined issues, including service connection for hip and back disabilities. The coronary artery disease issue will be deferred until these claims are resolved.

The Board has granted service connection for heart disease.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not require regular aid and attendance, as he is able to perform most daily activities without assistance.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if there is at least a 50 percent probability or greater that the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and/or herbicide exposure contributed substantially or materially to his death from colon cancer.