Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were withdrawn. The initial rating of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to August 13, 2008, and the higher than 60 percent rating from August 13, 2008, through December 4, 2008, are denied. The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent as of December 4, 2008.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and heart disease. The Board has decided the case should be remanded for further development, including VA examinations and clarification of outstanding private medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) warrants a 60 percent evaluation effective April 26, 2007. The appeal for an earlier effective date is granted.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred for a non-service-connected condition are denied as he has Medicare Part A coverage which is a health-plan contract and thus makes him ineligible for payment by VA.

The Board found no evidence of a current heart condition or bronchitis, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection. The Board also noted that there was no in-service diagnosis or treatment for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in February 2014, and the Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran was likely exposed to herbicides during his service at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base and that this exposure is presumed to have caused his current condition.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional examination to determine if the Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension and remanded other issues including service connection for a dental condition, depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction were found to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation for the period from January 23, 2009, to May 2, 2010. The effective date of his grant of service connection for coronary artery disease was determined based on VA regulations pertaining to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease, migraine headaches, and hypertension have been rated at their maximum levels of disability. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for any of these conditions.

The Veteran died from sarcoid heart disease, which the Board found was not service-connected. The cause of death is attributed to a condition that manifested years after service and for which there is no evidence of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus as they are not related to service, including presumed exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or near the Korean DMZ, and thus could not be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. The Veteran's claimed conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, CAD, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, PVD of both legs, and peripheral neuropathy of all extremities are not entitled to increased ratings or earlier effective dates.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy affecting either upper extremity, arteriosclerotic heart disease, or kidney disorder. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board found no evidence of chronic heart disease, including ischemic and/or coronary artery disease, in service or at any time thereafter. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's heart disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for ischemic heart disease, which is not related to herbicide exposure, will be reconsidered.