Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 17, 2010 for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied as there was no prior claim or evidence indicating intent to apply for benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for coronary artery disease has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, heart disability, right knee and back disabilities, neck disability, psychiatric disability, and low energy, have been denied.,A compensable rating of 10 percent has been granted for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease and/or metastasis of lung or larynx cancer, which are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in the Vietnam era. The Board finds that these conditions meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is not service connected as there is no evidence of an in-service event or injury related to the condition.,The Veteran's heart disorder had its onset during active service and is therefore considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease will be remanded.

The Veteran requested the withdrawal of his appeal on all issues related to service connection for ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure or hypertension.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection effective November 6, 2008, which is earlier than the date of his original claim in August 1993.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to February 4, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension and valvular heart disease, are not related to his service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between any findings in service and his current conditions.

The Veteran's heart disorder was not incurred or aggravated in active service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Veteran's CAD is presumed to have been incurred in his active military service due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran is granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD effective April 4, 2011. The grant of SMC based on housebound status is also granted effective April 4, 2011. TDIU is granted from November 17, 2009 to February 8, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, but the effective dates assigned are May 6, 2011. The initial ratings and effective dates for diabetes mellitus, CAD, and diabetic retinopathy were also established.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is found to be due to herbicide exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and avascular necrosis of the right hip are also granted as secondary to herbicide exposure.

The case is being remanded to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart disability and to adjudicate a secondary service connection claim for PTSD.

The Board has ordered further development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving at Udorn RTAFB in Thailand. The appeal is now remanded for this purpose.