Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is currently rated at 30 percent from June 12, 2012. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition has not shown the required criteria for an increased evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including multiple myeloma which he developed due to benzene exposure during service. The evidence did not establish a link between his other conditions and his active military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD have been increased to 30 percent each, with the effective date of December 4, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing records and affording the Veteran a VA examination to determine the etiology of his heart disorder and neurocardiogenic syncope.

The Veteran's right ring finger disorder is characterized by pain and limitation of motion, warranting a noncompensable rating.,The Veteran's right long finger disorder does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations due to lack of gap between fingertip and proximal transverse crease of palm.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's current heart disorder to his active service, including his reported strep throat episodes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have ischemic heart disease and his claim for service connection is denied. The Board also found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen his claims of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a residual seizure disorder and cognitive deficit, status post surgical repair arteriovenous malformation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative bone disease, lung disorder (granulomata of the lungs with COPD), hypertension, heart disorder, headaches, depression as secondary to other medical conditions, flat feet, low back disorder, and bilateral leg disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or any in-service exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, which he asserts is due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, has been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The AOJ will obtain and review the command history and deck logs of the U.S.S. Piedmont from June 1972 to July 1972, as well as any other relevant evidence pertaining to the activities of the ship during his service. They must also issue a new formal finding regarding alleged herbicide exposure in light of Gray v. McDonald.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on METS greater than 5 but not greater than 7, and he required continuous medication.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim for service connection for heart disease can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to address the issues of service connection for coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, and squamous cell carcinoma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to missing Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The SSA records, including all adjudications and underlying records, must be associated with the Veteran's file.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disease, including coronary artery disease, was not related to his service in the Indiana National Guard and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, to include ischemic heart disease, was granted due to the presumption of herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation. The Board also found that the current conditions are not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a recurrent cardiovascular disorder, to include coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction residuals, and coronary artery bypass graft residuals is denied.