Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a scheduling issue, and the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart problems, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and sleep apnea are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying treatment at VA facilities.

The Board found no CUE in the prior rating decisions regarding service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, and heart condition. The claims were denied as there was not clear evidence of exposure to herbicides or in-country service.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, lung condition, vertigo, diabetes mellitus type II, tinnitus, and heart condition are inextricably intertwined with other claims. Therefore, these issues must be remanded to allow for further development.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart condition and left ankle condition are not related to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to conflicting information regarding his employment status and the need to determine if he has been substantially gainfully employed since June 2009. The AOJ will also consider whether a TDIU would be moot during any applicable time period in light of the Veteran's 100 percent combined rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease is presumed to be associated with herbicide exposure while he served in the Republic of Vietnam. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted as it is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart condition was denied, and the claim for an increased rating for left ankle fracture residuals remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure and consideration of service connection on a presumptive basis due to burn pit exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease was granted based on presumed exposure to herbicides. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded as the timely notice of disagreement has been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment prior to June 9, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, heart disorder, and arthritis were denied as they are not related to service or a service-connected disability. The exposure basis was not applicable due to lack of in-service Vietnam service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since December 10, 2015, with a prior rating of 30% before that date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD/depression), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is found to be directly related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerotic heart disease, which is presumed to be related to his service due to herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the cause of death is presumptively related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a video conference hearing, as the Veteran requested one but no such hearing was scheduled. The claims related to diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are being reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 21, 2009 were denied as there was no pending claim or petition to reopen the claims before that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service or a service-connected disability. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.