Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's heart disorder is service connected as secondary to his service-connected GERD.,The Veteran's right knee and left ankle disorders are service connected as secondary to his service-connected left foot and left knee disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service in the Republic of Vietnam, and thus is not presumptively exposed to herbicides. The evidence does not show actual exposure to herbicides during service. Therefore, the claim for ischemic heart disease cannot be granted as it is not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for her postoperative residuals of a right tubal excision for an ectopic pregnancy and service connection for her heart disability (premature ventricular contractions).

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and chronic rhinitis with eustachian tube dysfunction are all rated at their respective lowest possible compensable levels (10 percent) throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's COPD is found to be at least as likely as not due to asbestos exposure during service, and the heart disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are found to be at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected COPD. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following all forms of substantially gainful employment during the period from July 24, 2006 to April 8, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary heart disease was granted effective February 3, 2005. The decision is based on a December 2009 VA medical opinion that relied on previously submitted STRs.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding no credible evidence of herbicide exposure and insufficient medical nexus to support a direct link between his current condition and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right leg disorder, left leg disorder, erectile dysfunction, bilateral knee disorder, diabetes mellitus, kidney disorder, headaches, eye disorder, heart disorder, prostate disorder, neurological disorder, and gastrointestinal disorders. The decision was based on secondary service connection.

From August 8, 2005, to July 15, 2007, the Veteran's ischemic heart disease was rated at 10 percent.,From July 16, 2007, to December 12, 2011, the rating increased to 60 percent due to left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.

The Board found no current diagnosis of heart disease and denied service connection for heart disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus. High cholesterol was not considered a disability warranting compensation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a disease or injury incurred in service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's heart disability was not present during service or within one year of discharge, and there is no competent evidence linking his current condition to his military service. Service connection for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU. This includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease did not manifest in service and is not attributable to service. The claim was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease, skin lesion, and bilateral knee condition due to his request for withdrawal. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also denied as there is no evidence that it is related to active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected conditions.