Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's heart disorder, specifically mitral valve insufficiency, was rated as non-compensable prior to December 9, 2015, and rated as 10 percent disabling from December 9, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to December 9, 2015, or in excess of 10 percent since then.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection for various disabilities remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disability, diabetes mellitus, tremors, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not establish in-service exposure to herbicides or other events that could link these conditions to service.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease has been rated at 10 percent since the initial grant of service connection, and his symptoms have not warranted a higher rating during the appeal period.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of ischemic heart disease due to the Veteran's request. The claim for PTSD is granted as there is at least equipoise evidence supporting a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. Service connection for lung disability is granted based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer are granted due to his exposure to herbicides during service at Ubon RTAFB in Thailand.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's heart disability was incurred in service or due to exposure to radiation. The claim is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound prior to August 31, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hypertension was not service-connected, and his initial rating for coronary artery disease prior to May 2, 2011 was denied. However, he received a 30% rating for coronary artery disease since that date.

The Board has determined that the cause of death, cardiopulmonary arrest due to an acute myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease, was not caused by or related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of the issues regarding service connection for hemorrhoids and a disability rating in excess of 60 percent disabling from July 1, 2010 for ischemic heart disease and CAD status post stent placement.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his current symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The Veteran's TDIU claim will be adjudicated after these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his period of active service.,The claim for hypertension was reopened due to new evidence received since the final denial in December 2008.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a fully adequate VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current hypertension, as well as to address whether the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and/or coronary artery disease caused or permanently aggravated his hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disorder, finding that the preexisting condition was aggravated by service. The Veteran's current diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia is related to his in-service treatment and diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a pending request for a DRO hearing. The issues include increased ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD; service connection claims for right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's heart condition and hypertension are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected PTSD and his current heart conditions.