Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, including as related to herbicide exposure, was denied. The Board found no evidence of current disability and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the criteria for TDIU have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding that it is secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The issues of service connection for hypertension and heart disorder are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated in service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The initial rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to September 28, 2012, was granted at a 30% disability rating. His claim for TDIU prior to that date was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis related to herbicide exposure, and the Veteran has not been diagnosed with ischemic heart disease or other specified forms of heart disease related to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a heart disability, including coronary artery disease and arrhythmia. The Board finds the current VA examination inadequate and remands the case to obtain an addendum opinion from the examiner.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for cause of death, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's underlying cause of death was listed as dilated cardiomyopathy, which is associated with his previously diagnosed coronary artery disease. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension with heart disease and hypertensive vascular disease have not met the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease associated with herbicide exposure, finding that no claim was filed prior to May 21, 2012.

The Board determined that the reduction of the rating for CAD from 100% to 30% was proper, and denied a claim for entitlement to a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue and will schedule the Veteran for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's step-daughter, C.H., is established as a helpless child due to her mental and physical disabilities that prevented her from self-supporting herself by age 18.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for lung cancer and ischemic heart disease before a decision was made by the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Board hearing due to the failure to reschedule his previously scheduled hearing. The claims for increased ratings and service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and cause of any current heart disability, including whether it is related to pre-existing conditions or active duty service. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for further action.