Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's heart disability has been rated at 10 percent since April 12, 2009. The evidence does not show that his symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder is secondary to his service-connected COPD and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, to include ASHD and CAD, were denied as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during active service. The symptoms did not manifest within one year post-service separation or to a degree warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims of service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate during the period from April 1, 2000, to August 19, 2010, as he was not in receipt of a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent and did not have disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease, and the effective date for service connection. The claim for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is also pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of service connection for hypoglycemia during his October 2015 hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion regarding the etiology of his heart disability and addressing whether he has a right shoulder disability or greater occipital nerve neuralgia that are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease has been granted, but the Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, pulmonary condition, IHD, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or have exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease with atrial fibrillation and the TDIU claim have been dismissed as he has withdrawn both appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death from myocardial infarction, and the Board finds that this meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since the initial grant of service connection. The evidence does not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records need to be verified for periods of active duty in Vietnam. Additionally, a VA physician is requested to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's heart disease and diabetes hastened his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's heart disorder is aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea. The claim of service connection for hypertension is also inextricably intertwined with this issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease is granted, with the effective date set at July 1, 1997.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis for hepatitis C, a heart disorder claimed as chest pain, or gunshot wound residuals of the right foot. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, as secondary to service-connected major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. The lung disability claim remains in remand status due to the need for additional evidence.