Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for PTSD, an earlier effective date for CAD, and additional months for a temporary total evaluation based on hospital treatment have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's rheumatic heart disease with aortic valve replacement has been manifested by stable symptoms and no significant cardiac complications, warranting a current rating of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to a lack of service treatment records from the Veteran's October 1990 to April 1991 period of active service, including his deployment in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death was coronary artery disease, ischemic cardiomyopathy, severe peripheral vascular disease, and chronic renal failure. These conditions were not caused by any incident of service, including probable asbestos exposure in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied by the Board due to lack of a link between his active duty and the development of the condition. The case is now remanded for further review based on potential exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and arteriosclerotic heart disease were not found to be related to his active duty service. The Board also determined that he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving at Korat and U-Tapao air force bases in Thailand, which is sufficient evidence for service connection of his heart disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and denied the remaining claims. Diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to in-service herbicide exposure, while the other conditions are not supported by evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and conducting a medical opinion regarding whether any service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to develop the record and provide a VA medical opinion regarding whether ischemic heart disease was present prior to June 2, 2011.

The Veteran is granted TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, with a combined disability rating of 80 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a heart disability due to service, as his syncopal episode and chest pain during ACDUTRA were attributed to heat-related causes rather than a heart condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected coronary artery disease and/or tinnitus for the period from January 24, 2008, to March 9, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including cancer of the left pharyngeal tonsil, ischemic heart disease, bilateral swelling of the feet, headaches, PTSD, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disability to include acid reflux, sleeping disorders to include sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, skin disorder (chloracne), bleeding from the nose and mouth, tinnitus, an upper back and/or neck disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision does not specify a rating assigned or effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to his service-connected disabilities of GERD, depressive disorder, and a heart disability, is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinion.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of the issue concerning a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for hypertensive heart disease, valvular heart disease with left atrial enlargement, dilated aortic root, and increasing aortic insufficiency (previously claimed as valvular heart disease). The claim for a compensable rating for hypertension remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's current cardiac disability will be evaluated to determine its etiology.