Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran did not have ischemic heart disease, and therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and determining if he was exposed to Agent Orange during service. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's cardiovascular disabilities, including aortic stenosis, coronary artery disease and/or hypertension, are being reviewed to determine if they are related to exposure to ionizing radiation during his active service. The case is being referred for further consideration by the Under Secretary for Benefits.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension. The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present heart disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure at Takhli RTAFB.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied as there is no competent medical evidence demonstrating a current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and CAD, status post coronary artery bypass graft, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's skin lesions on the feet are rated as non-compensable (0%) since they do not affect at least 5% of his entire body or exposed areas.,From January 23, 2006 to July 29, 2011, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is rated as 20%, and from July 29, 2011 onwards it remains at 20%

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a heart disability, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumptively service-connected due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The cervical spine disorder is also presumed service-connected based on a history of treatment and degenerative changes found by imaging studies prior to any reported in-service injury. Both conditions are granted.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's cause of death (complications of a left hip fracture) or other significant contributing conditions (hypertension, coronary artery disease, or renal failure) may have been etiologically related to his service. The May 2017 VA records review and medical opinion is given substantial probative weight.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for hypertensive heart disease, either due to herbicide exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease and bilateral hearing loss has been granted. A TDIU issue is also addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease, and prostate cancer due to exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service or that he had any of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected Ischemic Heart Disease and Bilateral Hearing Loss render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his physical limitations.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability and an acquired mental disorder, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection was also granted for low back disability secondary to right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and ischemic heart disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including heart disability, depression, diabetes, atrophy of the testicles, hiatal hernia (chronic indigestion), varicose veins, and hypothyroidism, make him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that TDIU is granted.