Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's CAD was granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure, and assigned a 60% rating from October 17, 2003. The effective date of the grant of service connection is October 17, 2003.

The Veteran's low back condition is not service-connected as it is less likely than not related to his in-service symptoms.,Hypertension was incurred during service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his service treatment records and provide him with adequate VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. The matter will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during his military service and no other basis to establish service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current heart disability, including arrhythmia, is not related to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, a heart disorder and retinopathy, all of which are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran died from a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. The cause of death is being reviewed to determine if it was caused or contributed substantially by hypertension and ischemic heart disease, which the appellant claims were related to his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 18, 2012 was denied. The RO granted the claim from September 18, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claim of service connection for atherosclerotic heart disease remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and PTSD render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU effective August 31, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities are found to have caused his adjustment disorder with depressed mood.,Diabetes mellitus, type II is not shown to be related to service or any incident therein.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II, cannot be granted as his claimed exposure to herbicides in service is not supported by credible evidence. As a result, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is considered a contributory cause of his death, and the Board grants DIC benefits based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathies are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with psychosis, along with other nonservice-connected conditions, has rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. Effective January 13, 2006, the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is etiologically related to active duty service and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board is remanding the claims of pleuropericarditis and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen service connection for organic heart disease due to their interrelated nature with a lung disorder currently in remand status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee replacements and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 6, 2001.