Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed heart disorder and lung disorder. The appeal will be remanded for these examinations.

The Veteran's sleep disorder with fatigue was initially manifest in service and has been recurrent since discharge from service. The Board can conclude that the requirements for service connection have been met, thus granting the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to potential herbicide exposure in Thailand and other relevant issues.

The Board has ordered additional development on the secondary service connection claims for heart disability, hyperparathyroidism, and osteoporosis due to their potential relationship with the Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be related to his service, specifically his exposure to herbicides during his military service. The claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, heart disability, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy, and loss of kidney are granted due to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was likely exposed to herbicides while stationed at Korat RTAFB in Thailand, and therefore service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and ischemic heart disease is granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of ischemic heart disease was granted. However, his claims for higher ratings and a TDIU were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU, as of March 24, 2011, have been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying herbicide exposure at Ramasun Station.

Service connection for bronchitis, to include as due to exposure to mustard gas, was denied.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease was denied as there is no evidence of a prior intent to file such a claim.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease remains at 30 percent, as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new VA Rating Schedule.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no effective date was assigned as the claim is for a direct service connection without any presumption or exposure basis.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, thus service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's current heart disability, including whether it is related to his service or exposure to herbicides. The AOJ should also obtain all relevant medical records from private providers.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection is also granted for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) for certain issues and rescheduling of a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease (CAD) are not related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.