Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2013

The Board found that the appellant did not have a current disability related to his service, and thus denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction are due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, warranting a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain clarification from the VA examiner regarding the symptomatology of his diagnosed valvular heart disease within one year after separation from service and any other potentially diagnosed heart disability. Additionally, a complete copy of the Veteran's service treatment records, including a July 2006 post-deployment health assessment, is required.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and PTSD have rendered him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation since November 3, 2010.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for right knee disability, migraine headaches, and hypertension. The Veteran's appeals for ischemic heart disease, sleep apnea, and GERD are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve within the land borders or on inland waterways of the Republic of Vietnam, and thus could not establish presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, a heart disorder, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The claims were denied as direct service connection was also not established.

The Veteran's appeal for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is dismissed because he is already eligible for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis with pharyngitis, Parkinson's disease, bilateral cataracts associated with diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his service-connected conditions alone are sufficient for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing the appellant with VCAA notice. A VA opinion will be obtained to determine if ischemic heart disease was caused by herbicide exposure and whether it contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, reviewing service treatment records from the Veteran's second period of active duty, and obtaining a clarifying opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death was not caused by his service-connected conditions or any other condition related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining legible copies of Fort Drum records and scheduling VA examinations. The claim will be reviewed to determine if service connection can be granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, including coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that additional development is required to determine the nature and etiology of any current cardiovascular disorders found.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings and service connection claims. The gunshot wound residuals of the right shoulder with involvement of Muscle Group III are currently rated at 30 percent, while the other conditions have been addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a compensable rating for his scars of the bilateral hands.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU prior to September 21, 2001 and thus considered his claim under the criteria of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b). The effective date was assigned based on the earliest possible date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease was caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions, including anxiety and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition, peripheral neuropathy, and heart condition were all denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service.