Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Veteran's hypertension is granted on a secondary basis to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. His coronary artery disease and type II diabetes mellitus are both denied initial higher ratings.

The Veteran's hypertension and heart disorders were not shown during service or within one year of discharge, and the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service. The presumption for herbicide exposure is inapplicable as hypertension is not listed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e) and ischemic heart disease was not shown within one year of last exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is not related to service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's substantive appeal regarding service connection for various conditions was not timely filed, and the Board finds it denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining military personnel records and VA treatment records. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's heart attack was caused by an undeployed stent left in his body during a VA cardiac catheterization, which the Board finds to be proximately caused by VA carelessness or negligence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, CAD, and tinnitus) have rendered him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be substantiated due to lack of a current diagnosis and no evidence linking the claimed condition to service. The claims for service connection for arthritis, DDD, hypertension, and CAD are also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a mental disability. The claims for heart disease and hypertension are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and a heart disorder related to service or secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, and ischemic stroke have been granted.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal seeking an effective date prior to September 5, 2008, for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility on June 28 and June 29, 2012 are now covered by VA as the treatment was for an emergency condition that could have been hazardous to his health if delayed, and no feasible alternative care was available from VA or federal facilities.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including the reopening of a claim for service connection for ASHD with first degree heart block and the assignment of appropriate ratings for hearing loss. The claims are not currently in a position to be decided on their merits.

The Veteran's brief presence in Vietnam during service is presumed to have exposed him to herbicides, including Agent Orange. Therefore, he is granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II, as well as diabetic peripheral neuropathy on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's SMC award for aid and attendance was granted effective September 9, 2011, based on his service-connected Congestive Heart Failure and Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease. No other conditions were rated at 100% or higher.

The Board found that the Veteran's effective date for a TDIU should not be prior to August 30, 2004 due to the March 17, 2008 rating decision being invalid and not signed by a rating specialist.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's death was caused by or as a consequence of coronary artery disease, which is service-connected. Therefore, the Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board denied all claims including service connection for PTSD, atrial arrhythmia with pacemaker (construed as ischemic heart disease) (heart disorder), and diabetes. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and bilateral hearing loss were also not granted increased ratings.