Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

For the period from May 27, 2009, through May 2, 2011, the Veteran's service-connected CAD did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his inability to dress or undress himself, take care of hygiene needs, prepare meals, manage medications, and attend to personal needs. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's heart disability has been manifested by findings that include MET values greater than 5 METs with symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue, and left ventricular ejection fractions greater than 50 percent. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus type II are not service-connected, but coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred during his military service.,PTSD has resulted in current disability that warrants a rating of 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for both coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II, based on the presumption of exposure to herbicides during active military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. However, the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or have any documented exposure to herbicide agents such as Agent Orange during his military service. The weight of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 5, 2010, for a 100% evaluation for hypertensive cardiovascular disease with coronary artery disease is denied as the most recent claim was received on that date and previous rating decisions are final.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU was granted, with the effective date set at August 31, 2010. The Board notes that a VA examination is needed to address the current severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with ischemic heart disease and served in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, qualifying for presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease (including coronary artery disease), and hypertension. The decision found that there was no evidence of actual exposure to Agent Orange during service or a compensable onset within one year post-service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred during his private hospitalization from October 5, 2010, through October 8, 2010 are being remanded for further development to determine if payment or reimbursement can be made beyond the point of stabilization.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of mycoses fungoides was denied as there is no evidence of a prior claim or entitlement to benefits before November 4, 2010.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected Crohn's disease, heart disorder, and right ankle sprains. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to TDIU prior to June 26, 2010, and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) prior to June 11, 2012.

The Board has previously denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, but the case is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be adult respiratory distress syndrome, with diabetes mellitus type I and arteriosclerotic heart disease as contributing conditions. The VA examiner found no evidence suggesting a positive correlation between the Veteran's PTSD and his development of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ARDS, or arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, and coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The appeal is based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private records, specifically treatment from the San Juan, P.R. VA Medical Center. The heart condition claim is inextricably intertwined with the individual unemployability claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the conditions listed in his claims, and thus the appeal is denied.