Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected ischemic heart disease and its impact on his employability.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the effective date for service connection and the rating for coronary artery disease, indicating he feels there has been a favorable resolution of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, including heart palpitations and mitral valve prolapse, is being remanded due to the absence of his service treatment records and the need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be service-connected due to his exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam, was as likely as not a principal or contributory cause of his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine the nature and etiology of his heart disorder, including hypertension, as well as whether it is related to service-connected depressive disorder or any other service-connected disability. The RO must also verify the Veteran's period of active duty after December 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing service treatment records and to obtain a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current heart disability as well as if he has current residuals of rheumatic fever.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural deficiencies, including not issuing a statement of the case on the issue of character of discharge. The issues related to service connection and total disability rating are inextricably intertwined with this matter.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from April 27, 2009 to April 29, 2009 are eligible for payment as they meet the criteria of emergency treatment provided in a hospital setting.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II or coronary artery disease, and denied the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's request for service connection for ischemic heart disease has been remanded due to the need for a travel board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his service on board the U.S.S. CANUCK and LCU 973, as well as to obtain any available medical records from the period of July 1956 to June 1998.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease are presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. His supraventricular tachycardia is not related to his service-connected PTSD or ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance are met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disability, including congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to have incurred in active duty military service due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for hypertension, a heart disorder, and erectile dysfunction are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and conflicting information regarding Vietnam service. The Veteran's claims for hypertension, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic heart disease are being reviewed with a focus on whether these conditions are related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim, including obtaining VA treatment records from Puget Sound VAMC and Spokane Cardiology.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain all pertinent medical records, including VA and private treatment records from the period of the Veteran's service and after. The cause of death will be further evaluated in light of the available evidence.

The Veteran's additional disability is not deemed to be proximately due to VA care, but rather a result of his own medical conditions and events.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and valvular heart disease were not incurred or aggravated during her service, and thus denied both claims.