Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart condition, including hypertension and coronary artery disease, is presumed to be related to his service due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for tinnitus was also granted.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, a presumptively service-connected condition due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, is found to be the cause of his death. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted on this basis.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his heart disability did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 100 percent under DC 7005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder and heart disorder were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and therefore denies an increased rating in excess of 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by blurry vision, ischemic heart disease, osteoarthritis, prostate disability, or PTSD. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is not due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as aggravated by diabetes mellitus, type II and for heart disease (left ventricular hypertrophy) caused by diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is denied.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected left thumb strain, status post old fracture deformity first metacarpal bone, entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for a back disability, major depressive disorder, and hypertensive atherosclerotic heart disease, as well as claims regarding the issue of entitlement to increased evaluation for bronchial asthma, and entitlement to TDIU are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, but the Board found no support for accrued benefits due to lack of entitlement at the time of his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease.,The Veteran was granted service connection for ischemic heart disease as a presumptive condition due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board found that his claim was not filed until June 8, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and new evidence.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be service-connected due to herbicide agent exposure. However, the appellant did not have a pending claim for accrued benefits at the time of her husband's death and no such benefits were due and unpaid prior to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease and secondary to herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an opinion regarding the relationship between diabetes and cardiomyopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and further development of his claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and heart condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including seeking relevant medical records and clarifying the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current ischemic heart disease is not related to his service, including any exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied the remaining issues on appeal. The Veteran's PTSD is related to his combat service in Vietnam, and he was exposed to traumatic stressors during service.