Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Board has granted the appellant's appeal, restoring service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx and sinuses. The cause of death is also found to be attributable to a disability incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder, sinus disorder (including sinusitis), heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, eye disorder, skin disorder of the feet, upper extremities disorder (manifested by swelling, pain in joints, cramping, and tightness), bilateral or unilateral wrist disorder, disorder of bilateral or unilateral hands and fingers, and hearing loss are all granted as they were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, aspiration pneumonia with acute myocardial infarction due to coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis, was not caused or contributed substantially or materially by any service-connected disability. The VA examiner concluded it is less likely as not that the Veteran's shrapnel wounds or lung problems were related to his aspiration pneumonia.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for ischemic heart disease and PTSD, as well as his request for an earlier effective date for service connection of ischemic heart disease, were denied. The Veteran was also denied TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hypertension, heart disease, and cervical spine disorder with upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess his service-connected PTSD. A supplemental medical opinion is also needed regarding the relationship between his hearing loss and tinnitus and in-service noise exposure.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to her withdrawal of appeals for reopening service connection claims and denied her increased evaluations for right knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction (secondary to PTSD) and a heart condition (secondary to PTSD). The claim remains denied.

The Veteran's initial rating for ischemic heart disease (IHD) prior to October 1, 2011 was denied as the evidence did not show an improvement in his condition. The reduction of the IHD rating from 60 percent to 10 percent effective October 1, 2011 was found to be proper based on actual improvement shown by medical examination reports. Service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no prior denial or pending claim before August 4, 2008.

The Veteran's heart condition claim is being remanded for further examination and clarification of the medical evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for coronary artery disease and a TDIU, finding that no earlier effective date than September 23, 2010, is warranted for the grant of service connection. The case is remanded for further development regarding the increased evaluation claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart condition, including supraventricular arrhythmia and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, is not service-connected. The Veteran's other service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and a heart disorder due to toxic herbicide exposure. Service connection was denied for prostate disorder and tremor disorder (Parkinson's disease) as they are not related to active duty or toxic herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, left hemiparesis due to stroke, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD). The Board found no current disability for these conditions and insufficient evidence of a link between any diagnosed condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus type II, CAD, and soft tissue sarcomas of the lung and right upper extremity/right shoulder are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran also has chronic kidney disease and diabetic neuropathy that are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's GERD, headaches, psychiatric disorder (depression), hypertension, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, brittle nails, and syphilis are not presumed to be due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of ischemic heart disease was denied as his claim was received within one year of the August 31, 2010 liberalizing regulation adding ischemic heart disease to the conditions for which service connection can be presumed due to herbicide exposure. The effective date remains at August 31, 2010.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development to obtain his OPM disability retirement records and ensure all relevant employment information is considered.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease (IHD) was denied. For the period prior to January 16, 2014, he is not entitled to a higher than 10 percent rating. For the period beginning January 16, 2014, he is not entitled to a higher than 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and type II diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 7, 2011.