Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's cardiovascular disease, including residuals of a myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease, was not present in service or until many years thereafter and is not related to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed because his service-connected disabilities already grant him a total schedular rating, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and his coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent. The combined rating for both conditions is 90 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA heart examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and a heart disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found that any current heart disorder is not caused by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hair loss due to herbicide exposure, and ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure. The evidence submitted since the last final denial did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further clarification and to allow the Veteran to obtain a written opinion from her VA treating physician regarding her heart disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disorders are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The claims for back disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD) have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a need for an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran claims service connection for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicides. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining the Veteran's personnel records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records since September 2010. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA cardiology examination and additional development of the record, including obtaining private medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for ischemic heart disease, including as due to exposure to herbicides, has been dismissed because the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the award was not addressed as it is a separate issue.

The Veteran's appeal of his TDIU claim prior to November 2012 is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset in or within one year of service discharge, and therefore cannot be presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied as there is no direct evidence linking the current diagnosis of hypertension to his active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the claims due to additional information obtained during the Veteran's hearing. The claims will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease results in impairment more nearly approximating the criteria for a 60 percent rating, which was granted. The claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of stroke are remanded.