Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for vision disorder, hepatitis, heart disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral foot disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty or any period of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disease disability does not result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, nor does it cause him to be wheelchair bound. The Board finds that he is not entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Board has restored the Veteran's prior 100% rating for service-connected coronary artery disease effective August 1, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and heart disease have been granted, as well as his claim for TDIU. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has ordered additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's heart disorder is related to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had presence in Vietnam while on active duty, which is sufficient to grant service connection for the cause of his death due to acute myocardial infarction.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is found to be related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a myeloproliferative disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's death was due to sudden cardiac syndrome, which is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The cause of the sudden cardiac syndrome is believed to have been ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a Social and Industrial Survey to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's heart disorder, rated as 30 percent disabling since November 19, 2012, is currently evaluated based on the criteria for coronary artery disease (CAD) under DC 7005. The rating has been granted.

The Veteran's heart disability, including mitral valve prolapse and cardiomyopathy, is not considered to have been incurred in service or due to his service-connected depression. The Board also found no evidence of a current thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Veteran died in July 2008 from pancreatic cancer, coronary artery disease, and hypertension at a private address. The appeal is denied as there is no basis for the burial transportation payment sought.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 14, 2009 for a 100% rating for ASHD, status post myocardial infarctions, with hypertension is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of consideration of recent medical evidence and an incomplete VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than November 13, 2009 for a grant of service connection for coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation.

The Board has determined that the April 1993 rating decision denying service connection for an abnormal EKG was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and service connection is now granted.

The Veteran's death was caused by congestive heart failure, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. Therefore, the cause of death is granted as service-connected.