Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's death was caused by multiple cerebrovascular accidents, which were significantly contributed to by coronary artery disease (CAD), presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The medical opinion supports the conclusion that CAD caused or contributed substantially to the cause of death.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims is related to his service-connected coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that additional development of the record is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including as due to exposure to herbicides, is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The heart condition, hip disability, and right shoulder disability were also not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing due to his request for one.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his desire to withdraw all remaining issues on appeal, including the effective date for PTSD.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease is proximately due to his previously service-connected hypertension, and the Board grants secondary service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeals for all issues.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to September 3, 2004 for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease is denied. The case is now being remanded for further development regarding the issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to myxomatous valve disease, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship between the two conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for atherosclerotic heart disease from 100% to 60%, effective July 1, 2010, was proper based on evidence showing the Veteran's maximum workload capacity had improved. The TDIU claim is denied as there is no evidence showing the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic kidney disorder, currently diagnosed as renal failure, was incurred during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and is therefore service-connected.

The Veteran did not have active service during a period of war, and therefore does not meet the criteria for basic entitlement to non-service connected death pension benefits. The issue of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease with stable angina, sick sinus syndrome, and pacemaker remains at 10 percent. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease from exposure to herbicides is being remanded due to conflicting findings and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is found to be incurred in active service due to in-service herbicide exposure. The claim for erectile dysfunction remains unresolved as it does not meet the presumptive criteria based on in-service herbicide exposure.