Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for ischemic heart disease was denied prior to June 4, 2015.,After the increase in evaluation to 60 percent effective from June 4, 2015, the Veteran's appeal remains pending and is still denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and for additional examinations. The issues of service connection for a headache disorder, psychiatric disorder (PTSD), heart disorder, skin disorder, and right knee disorder are still under consideration.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his in-service asbestos exposure and his later-developed lung cancer. The Board also noted that the Veteran had a history of tobacco use, which contributed to his lung cancer.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left hip condition, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart condition as secondary to his service-connected parathyroidectomy with a history of hyperthyroidism.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's heart condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease, including arteriosclerotic heart disease and rheumatic heart disease, is service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 24, 1994 for a 100% rating for service-connected coronary artery disease with history of myocardial infarction. The decision found that no earlier claim was received by VA.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and CAD. The Veteran will be provided with a VA Form 21-8940 to determine his level of education, special training, and previous work history.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus. The appeal regarding an earlier effective date for coronary artery disease was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to service-connected Parkinson's disease, which affects his ability to dress himself, prepare meals, and manage medication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's valvular heart disease was not caused by or related to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) and herbicide exposure. Therefore, service connection for valvular heart disease is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or any in-service event.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining an opinion on the date of onset of the Veteran's ischemic heart disease.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a broken nose, to include a deviated septum. The other issues related to asbestosis, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ischemic heart disease are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all issues on appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart condition, prostate cancer, glaucoma, and left knee replacement. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran had exposure to herbicides during his service at Udorn RTAFB. The claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease, and PTSD have been denied. The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA's rating schedule.