Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and coronary artery disease, are found to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart condition, to include ischemic heart disease, was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure or continuity of symptomatology since service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have actual herbicide exposure and thus could not establish service connection based on presumed exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including rheumatic heart disease and left knee replacement, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effects of these conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, liposarcoma, and bilateral hearing loss were denied because there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other service-connected conditions that could be linked to these disabilities.,There was insufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is not related to his military service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for ruptured eardrums, neck condition, and ischemic heart disease as they were not raised in his original claim for bilateral hearing loss. The decision on the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is that it has not been established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, verifying in-service herbicide exposure, and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) can be adjudicated. This includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, verifying the exact locations of the Veteran's ships during their time in Vietnam, and scheduling a VA physician to provide an opinion on whether CAD was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected COPD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder(s), including whether any such disorders are related to service, particularly given the December 2007 diagnosis of CAD. The remaining issues on appeal will be deferred until this determination is made.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease and Parkinson's disease, presumed due to herbicide exposure, was granted effective October 28, 2009. The effective date cannot be earlier than this date as it is the earliest date of claim received.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding potential exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an appropriate examination and determine his eligibility for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claims for service connection for cause of death and ischemic heart disease for retroactive benefits. The claim for cause of death is denied, while the claim for ischemic heart disease for retroactive benefits is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's coronary artery disease, including whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation on account of being housebound prior to January 29, 2009 is granted. The claim for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected and rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board also granted a higher rating for his anxiety disorder, but denied other claims including those for sleep apnea and arthritis.

The Veteran's heart disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected histoplasmosis, is not considered related to the condition and was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service at Ubon AFB in Thailand, and ischemic heart disease is a disease associated with such exposure. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to ischemic cardiomyopathy as a result of herbicide exposure is granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence related to his diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the left foot.