Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, lumbosacral spine strain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The RO has already granted a 100% rating for coronary artery disease effective October 30, 2014. Other issues remain pending.

The Board denied an effective date prior to September 18, 2003 for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease as no claim was filed prior to that date or within one year following service discharge.

The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease was granted effective November 2, 2001. However, since he was already receiving a total disability rating due to his PTSD at the same time period, additional compensation based on this new service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating prior to January 24, 2013 for systolic heart murmur with mitral valve prolapse and valvular heart disease is being remanded due to the need for a Board videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Hays Medical Center on June 18, 2013 were not reimbursable as the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency and VA facilities were readily available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, residual neurological deficits following stroke, and CAD are not related to service. The claims for secondary service connection have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and finds that he is entitled to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's amyloidosis is presumed due to herbicide exposure in service, and his heart disease is found to be secondary to his amyloidosis. Both conditions are granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) within the appeal period and concluded that his variously diagnosed heart disabilities, including Atrial Fibrillation, Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), and AV Node Reentrant Tachycardia (AVNRT), are not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease and scar.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease (CAD). The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's prior complaints of chest pain are early indications of CAD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is denied as there was no pending claim prior to February 29, 2012. The Veteran does not have COPD and the Board finds that his shortness of breath is due to cardiac disability rather than a pulmonary disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during his active duty or in-service. The Veteran was granted service connection for prostate cancer but not for the residuals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is proximately due to her service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure in Guam and clarification on the etiology of his sleep apnea and depression.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing a VA medical opinion regarding whether service-connected disabilities aggravate tinnitus.

The Board has granted a 60 percent rating for ischemic heart disease effective December 18, 2015. Prior to that date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher initial schedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 and service connection are all denied as the evidence does not support a finding of exposure to herbicides or other conditions related to his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining dose estimates and referring the case to the Under Secretary for Benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records, conducting a combined examination to assess his need for aid and attendance of another due to service-connected disabilities, and ensuring that all issues are properly addressed in the decision.