Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his combined evaluation does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease or any other chronic heart disability. The Veteran's service treatment records are negative for findings of a heart condition, and the VA examinations have consistently ruled out a heart disorder.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and stroke residuals are not shown to be related to his active service.,There is no credible evidence of herbicide exposure during the Veteran's service in Diego Garcia and Puerto Rico.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board grants an earlier effective date for renal disease with coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease, as the Veteran qualifies as a Nehmer class member.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development, including a VA examination and supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's respiratory disability and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer residuals, coronary artery disease (CAD), and left hand gunshot wound, preclude him from securing substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and skin disorder, as well as his requests for increased ratings for TBI residuals, left ear hearing loss, insomnia, and COPD. The Veteran was granted an initial non-compensable rating for TBI residuals.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sleep apnea and a heart disorder, to include premature arterial ventricular contraction, are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities during the pertinent period post-service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, persistent depressive disorder, and a residual scar, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. As such, the Board has granted TDIU effective April 7, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have Parkinson's disease or ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicides during service. The claims were denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for ischemic heart disease, which he claims is due to herbicide exposure. The case has been remanded for further development and a hearing before the Board.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for hypertension and a heart disability, but has denied both on the merits. The Veteran's hypertension is not shown to be related to his service-connected nasal septum deformity with airway obstruction due to trauma. His heart disability was also not shown to be related to his service-connected nasal septum deformity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer has been denied. His claims for a higher evaluation for his heart disability and TDIU are pending.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding service connection for multiple cardiovascular disorders and a rating for chronic low back pain with sacroiliitis.

The Veteran's heart disorder is not ischemic in nature and is secondary to alcohol abuse. Therefore, he cannot be granted service connection for his heart disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for mitral valve prolapse with severe mitral regurgitation, finding that the condition first manifested in service and is a congenital disease. Service connection was also granted for postoperative residuals of mitral valve repair surgery.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his reported exposure and obtain medical examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated on the merits. Specifically, VA treatment records from April 2014 to the present and medical records from Doctors' Center Hospital in Manat�, Puerto Rico, as well as from Guillermo Armaiz, M.D., in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico are requested.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability and stroke, finding that the evidence did not support a direct link to service or any presumptive exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's heart condition was diagnosed many years after discharge, and there is no evidence of cardiovascular disease within one year of discharge.

The Board has determined that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance for the Veteran's spouse is not warranted due to her functional capacity, which does not require personal assistance from others.