Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of scarlet fever and heart disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his in-service scarlet fever or service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, did not manifest within one year of service separation and is not related to his in-service scarlet fever. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from May 14, 2007 to May 29, 2007 at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital are granted as the treatment was deemed necessary due to a medical emergency and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the relationship between the Veteran's heart conditions and his service, particularly any exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that his current condition is not related to service or presumed due to undiagnosed illness. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for glaucoma was also addressed but no decision was made as it was remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction and coronary bypass surgery, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his previously service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for chronic periodontal disease, peripheral vascular disease, arterial sclerosis, and chronic heart disease is denied as there is no legal basis to establish secondary service connection. The Board also found that the in-service diagnosis of chronic periodontitis does not meet the criteria for compensation purposes.

The Veteran's rectal cancer is service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides. His peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, as well as his ischemic heart disease, are also service-connected based on presumptive exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service in Germany did not involve exposure to herbicides, and there is no evidence of his claimed disabilities being related to service. The claims for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and heart disease are denied.

The Board found no evidence of heart disease or right side circulation problems, including right arm numbness, during service. The Veteran's complaints were diagnosed as tachycardia and palpitations. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's heart disability, diagnosed as unstable angina, is presumed to be related to his service due to herbicide exposure. The claim for PTSD has been granted with a rating in excess of 50 percent. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his heart disease and diabetes mellitus.

Service connection for PTSD, left eye cataract, low back disability, gall bladder disability, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, kidney disability, heart disability, and periodontal disease has been granted.