Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted as it is secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including headaches, COPD and Pickwickian syndrome, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, arthritis of the neck, arthritis of the legs (claimed as knees), arthritis of the back, arthritis of the shoulders, an acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic liver disease, and a heart condition. The claims were denied based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the appropriate disability rating for ischemic heart disease, as well as to address the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for a cardiac disability, to include ischemic heart disease, as secondary to herbicide exposure and/or service-connected diabetes mellitus or hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his private treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions did not manifest during service or within a presumptive period, and there is no competent evidence linking his current conditions to active duty. The appeal for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, including due to exposure to Agent Orange, is being remanded as the requested hearing has not been scheduled.

The Board determined that the reduction of the rating for the Veteran's service-connected CAD from 100% to 30% was proper, and denied a claim for entitlement to a higher rating.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be associated with herbicide exposure while serving in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's death was attributed to end stage renal disease and ischemic heart disease, neither of which were service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right knee disability, left knee disability, and coronary artery disease (CAD) with stent and myocardial infarction. The appeal was also denied regarding a temporary total disability rating based on need for convalescence due to right knee surgery, as well as initial ratings for GERD and bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the diseases are not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease was denied. The current disability evaluation of 60 percent is maintained from February 1, 2012.

The Board found no evidence of ischemic heart disease in service or within one year after discharge, and there is insufficient exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) during the Veteran's service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease (CAD) may be presumed to be related to his military service due to his Vietnam-era exposure. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's heart disease was caused by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and arthritis of multiple bones and joints, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 18, 2008 for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is being remanded due to incomplete records. The AOJ must seek any relevant Agent Orange examination or treatment records from 2007 and review the entire record before readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A VA examination will also be scheduled to assess the current severity of his service-connected heart disability.