Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The case is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his hypertension, as well as evaluating the status of his service-connected disabilities. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claims for service connection, including verification of exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins during active duty.

The Board has determined that the October 15, 2009, denial of eligibility for a fee basis medical identification card was improper and restored the Veteran's entitlement to such.

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

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service provides presumptive service connection.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability and bilateral foot disability, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or a link to service. The remaining issues on appeal are not addressed as they have been withdrawn.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder, including hypertension, as secondary to the service-connected residuals of an umbilical hernia repair. The Veteran's current heart disorder is not considered service connected.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations or service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for seborrheic dermatitis or heart disease, as the conditions are not shown to have had their onset during service and there is insufficient medical evidence linking them to service. The Veteran's assertions were considered but deemed unsupported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure and issuance of a statement of the case on all issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's heart disability is being evaluated to determine if it was caused by exposure to paint fumes and dust during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for additional development, including verification of service dates and clarification on the nature and etiology of the appellant's hearing loss and right shoulder disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, which are service-connected. The posttraumatic stress disorder is also service-connected and contributed to his cause of death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that the earliest possible effective date was October 31, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have ischemic heart disease and has not had it at any time. Therefore, service connection for ischemic heart disease is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to evaluate the etiology of hypertension and determine if it is at least as likely as not caused or permanently aggravated by service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the Board found that CAD did not manifest within one year following separation from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claim for service connection for a heart disorder, which may be related to his military service or his service-connected back disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which in turn led to COPD and coronary heart disease. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran and a need for further examination.