Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have coronary artery disease due to any incident of his military service, including as secondary to service-connected pulmonary hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner or scheduling a new examination if necessary. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are being evaluated in relation to his service-connected esophageal reflux with IBS and diarrhea.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination and further development is required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities and whether he meets the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance, acquiring specially adapted housing, or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and heart condition were not incurred in or aggravated by service, including as due to herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a heart disability and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a possible link to service. Service connection was denied for type 2 diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure as there is no evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, but remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for malignant melanoma and Parkinson's disease due to lack of evidence supporting exposure to herbicides.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100 percent disability rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) and determined that he meets criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information provided by the Veteran regarding herbicide exposure during service. The VA is required to verify this claim through appropriate sources, including JSRRC.

The Veteran's heart disorder, hypertension, and back disorder have been etiologically related to service-connected post-herpetic neuralgia. The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claimed ischemic heart disease and COPD. The VA examiner will need to determine the etiology of any diagnosed heart condition, including whether it is related to service-related chest pain in December 1977. For COPD, the VA examiner should reconcile the July 2012 VA examination opinion with Dr. G.'s opinions regarding pleural and lung scarring.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, kidney disease, and dementia are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD/TBI with headaches.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is also granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The right knee disability is also found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension. However, after a thorough review of all available evidence, including VA treatment records and private medical opinions, the Board finds that there is no evidence showing a direct link between the Veteran's current hypertension, heart disability, or sleep apnea and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease are not related to service. The arthritis claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease cannot be granted as there was no formal or informal claim presented prior to July 23, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability is not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating. The Veteran's coronary artery disease did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the period on appeal.