Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has been rated at 60 percent since March 9, 2010. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, cervical osteoarthritis, residuals of a right ankle injury, scar of the right thigh, and erectile dysfunction, result in a combined rating of 90 percent. The Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as he has more than one disability rated at least 40 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination regarding his heart condition and an increased disability rating for low back disability. The issues of service connection for heart condition and entitlement to an increased disability rating for low back disability are on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are being remanded due to the need to obtain his complete Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) from his entire period of active duty service, including potential in-country service. The OMPF could contain relevant information regarding his exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his coronary artery disease and obtaining all relevant medical records. The issues on appeal include an initial rating claim, service connection claims, reopening of a previously denied claim, TDIU, and effective date determination.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities do not meet the criteria for higher schedular ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may such disabilities be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was also denied as there is no evidence of carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA medical personnel.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a pulmonary disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for service connection for chest pain and heart disorder (claimed as chest pain) are also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) is considered 'unknown' as there is insufficient evidence to determine if he served in Vietnam. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for additional private treatment records. The Veteran's claim is related to herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the appellant's unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a member of the Board.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility on April 23, 2012 was denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a heart disability, including as due to exposure to x-ray radiation during his military service. The Board has ordered further development of the record, including obtaining records from the U.S.S. Norfolk and Guantanamo Bay Hospital, and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if his current heart condition is related to in-service radiation exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 20 percent since January 24, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating prior to that date and granted his claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of asbestos-induced pleural disease, reopening of service connection claims for various conditions, and TDIU/SMC have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 100% for his asbestos-induced pleural disease as of May 3, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his heart disease and its impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is being remanded for additional development and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and clarification of his diagnosis during the pendency of this appeal.