Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to unclear evidence regarding his employability and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted in a May 2012 rating decision, and the Veteran has indicated satisfaction with these decisions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, which he contends is due to exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service, has been remanded. The Board requested additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has ischemic heart disease and whether it was caused by his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain VA treatment records and private medical records, as well as to provide the Veteran with an opportunity to respond. The claims for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure, as the Veteran served in Vietnam and was diagnosed with this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues related to service connection and other claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, as there is no competent and credible evidence showing current disabilities or a link to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no formal claim or indication of intent to file a claim prior to April 12, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, and for further development of the medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records, clarification of employment status, and a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine if the Veteran currently has ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery disease. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 13, 2007 for the grant of service connection for cardiomyopathy with atrial fibrillation is denied. The disability arose on March 29, 2007, and was established based on presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart condition is due to a myocardial infarction suffered during INACDUTRA in 2000, and service connection for this disability is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for heart disorder, higher initial evaluations for his service-connected conditions, and a higher evaluation for right foot sinus tarsi syndrome have been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for tuberculosis has been dismissed as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that there was no evidence of a right knee disability or heart disability due to in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left knee disabilities were found not to warrant higher ratings.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and determine whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were a principal or contributory cause of his death, including metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for consideration of new evidence submitted by him and his hearing transcript. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including an examination and opinion regarding service connection for a heart condition.