Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fainting spells, a heart condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The appeals were dismissed as they were not currently in appellate status.

The Veteran's heart disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death, and thus does not grant service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current coronary artery disease is not related to his period of active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including residuals of CABG, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and diabetic nephropathy, are sufficient to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's medical expenses incurred from May 12, 2010, until May 19, 2010 were reimbursed as prior authorization was provided by VA for the treatment at a non-VA hospital.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for cataracts, macular degeneration, presbyopia, and dermatochalasis was withdrawn. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment or other factors warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident is found to be related to his service-connected coronary artery disease. The initial rating for his coronary artery disease remains at 60 percent.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for confirmation of whether the Veteran's ship, U.S.S. Caliente, docked in Cam Ranh Bay and traveled into the Mekong Delta during his service in Vietnam, which could impact his claim for ischemic heart disease as related to herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not support a finding of herbicide exposure during service, and therefore presumptive service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is denied as he did not meet the criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725 and 38 C.F.R. § 17.120.

The Board has ordered the case back to the AOJ for additional development and readjudication, including providing a copy of the Veteran's claims folder to his representative and ensuring that the SSOC includes citations and discussion of relevant regulations.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for rheumatic heart disease and service connection for left popliteal and peroneal nerve palsy, as well as compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, were denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The RO's September 2004 decision denying service connection for CAD and hypertension is final, but new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for CAD and hypertension.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, which prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, with the highest combined disability rating of 70%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to service, including as due to herbicide exposure. Service connection is denied for all issues.

The Board has found that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and Parkinson's disease are related to his exposure to herbicides during active military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to September 29, 2002, for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease. The decision stated that the earliest allowable effective date was September 29, 2002.