Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Veteran's CAD does not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation, as his symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder and heart disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran's current conditions were attributed to post-service events.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and headaches. The Veteran's heart disability was not shown to be related to his military service, and the headaches were not found to be directly related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, right knee disability, tailbone disability, lumbar spine disability, and diabetes mellitus, type II, have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for reopening a previously denied claim or establishing service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy affecting his lower extremities and resulting in loss of sensation, have rendered him unable to use his feet for driving. As a result, he is granted financial assistance for the purchase of an automobile with adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted, with presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure during his time in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling further examinations. The case will be reconsidered in light of all the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for any of the conditions he is seeking service connection for, and thus, his claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for further examination to determine his eligibility.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a video conference hearing at the Seattle, Washington RO due to his relocation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's death was caused by sepsis due to or as a consequence of coronary artery bypass, which is presumed to have been incurred during his service in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board finds that he was exposed to herbicides and grants service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating and DEA benefits was denied as there is no evidence of ischemic heart disease prior to March 28, 2011.,DEA eligibility based on the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease also has an effective date of March 28, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his period of service, and there is no evidence suggesting a medical relationship between heart disease and his service-connected disabilities. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The issues of increased rating for coronary artery disease and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at the RO. The claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and ischemic heart disease are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease with prior myocardial infarction and stents is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The right knee disability has been granted as service connected.

The Veteran's initial ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD have been granted, with the PTSD rating being at a 50 percent level since December 21, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam and Thailand, and a request for his complete service treatment records is needed.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.