Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a determination that ischemic heart disease contributed to the Veteran's death. The cause of death was listed as extensive enzymatic fat necrosis of the abdomen due to acute post-traumatic necrotizing pancreatitis and status post left nephrectomy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability and diabetes mellitus did not begin during or as a result of his active duty service, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran died of coronary artery disease, which is not service-connected as there was no evidence of a recognized in-service injury or disease. The cause of death is therefore not due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his heart condition and psychiatric disorders, including service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to July 15, 2014 was denied. The appeal for a higher rating for CAD from July 15, 2014 is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD has aggravated his pre-existing cardiovascular condition, leading to heart disease. This decision grants service connection for heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death due to heart disability and cognitive disorder is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service. The claim will be reconsidered based on any additional information obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease. The issue of a permanent and total disability determination for PTSD, including for DEA benefits under Chapter 35, is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining service personnel records and VA/privately obtained medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran did not file a claim for service connection for heart disease and diabetes prior to his death, which are diseases presumptively associated with Agent Orange exposure. Therefore, the Appellant is denied retroactive benefits under Nehmer.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral arterial disease, including as secondary to ischemic heart disease. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for Meniere's disease, hypertension, heart disease, and IBS were denied as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or related to service. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of a left ear scar with crusting.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical evidence and determine if there is new and material evidence for the nonservice-connected death pension claim. The cause of the Veteran's death will also be reviewed, but it is unclear whether service connection can be established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his alleged exposure to herbicides in Thailand.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and coronary artery disease based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atherosclerotic heart disease, which is presumed to be related to his in-service POW experience, substantially or materially contributed to cause his death from cardio-respiratory arrest.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease are not related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's heart disability, claimed as cardiomyopathy, is related to service or any incident of service origin, including his service-connected asbestosis.