Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including valvular heart disease with mitral stenosis, right knee replacement, degenerative arthritis and chondromalacia of the left knee, and bilateral pes planus, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease, finding that the claim was filed after May 31, 2005. The Veteran's back disorder issue is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, ischemic heart disease, and memory loss have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's alleged herbicide exposure in Japan, and then to readjudicate his service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, emphysema, bronchitis, genitourinary disability, eye infections, and hypertension are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease based on presumed exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of ischemic heart disease was denied as the earliest possible effective date is September 20, 2010 due to the applicable regulations and his status as a Nehmer class member.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and heart disability (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) as the Veteran did not have these conditions during service or within one year of discharge, and there was no evidence that they were caused by any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred or aggravated by his service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be incurred in wartime service due to herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's recurrent heart disorder, including CAD and CABG residuals, did not have its onset during active duty service or within one year of his discharge. The VA examiner opined that Bextra was less likely the cause for his CAD, as it is a good medication for treating osteoporosis pain. The Board also found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for MRSA infection residuals.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining when the appellant was on active duty for training. The appeal is currently in a pending status.

The Veteran's heart disability, diagnosed as coronary artery disease, did not manifest during service or within a year of separation. The Board finds that the claim for service connection is denied.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran has a heart disability, and there is no service connection granted. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining private hospital records and ensuring all available VA treatment records are included in the file.