Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 20, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment as of October 20, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the appellant's heart disorder and its relation to his service in the Persian Gulf. The VA must provide a new examination and address whether the appellant's condition is related to sarin gas exposure or other chemical agent exposure.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease (CAD).,All three conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining psychiatric treatment records and examining whether the Appellant was insane at the time of his dishonorable discharge.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at least a 30 percent prior to November 17, 2012 and in excess of 50 percent on and after that date. The TDIU issue is also addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated VA examination. The case will be reviewed after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, including as due to toxic herbicide exposure and secondary to a service-connected disability, is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in service. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at Korat Royal Thai Air Base and thus, his ischemic heart disease is granted service connection on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease is granted as it is presumed due to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete development of the Veteran's service connection claims, specifically regarding his exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident (stroke residuals), enlarged prostate (voiding dysfunction), colon cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's skin cancer and heart condition are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing they began during or were aggravated by his active duty service. The right knee injury is also not service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation of coronary artery disease, extension of special monthly pension at housebound rate, and earlier effective date for service connection for coronary artery disease was granted. The Veteran is currently rated as 30 percent disabling for his coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease. The claims include requests for increased ratings and restoration of a higher rating for prostate cancer, as well as TDIU due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, contributed substantially to his death due to acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's son is not eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits prior to December 7, 2011 due to failing to elect a start date within the required 60-day period.

The Board found that the Veteran was not precluded from substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected heart and psychiatric disabilities prior to November 15, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, including as due to Agent Orange exposure, is being remanded for further development and consideration.