Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA medical examination. The purpose of this development is to provide an adequate statement of reasons or bases regarding the Veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus II, service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD), and service connection for skin cancer and hypertension. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents during service. The VA examiner found no evidence of ischemic heart disease, but noted mild coronary artery calcifications. A new VA examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran has a current heart disability and whether it began during active service or is related to any incident of service, including herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atherosclerotic heart disease was not denied between May 3, 1989 and August 31, 2010. As such, retroactive benefits under Nehmer cannot be awarded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an updated death certificate and a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's CAD has resulted in symptoms of dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope at a workload of 3 METS or less since August 8, 2012. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for CAD effective from that date.

The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while in Thailand, and ischemic heart disease is a condition presumptively associated with such exposure. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a disability incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the cause of the Veteran's death (end-stage renal disease and end-stage COPD) is related to active service.,The Board finds that prostate cancer and its residuals were incurred in active service as due to in-service ionizing radiation exposure. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's in-service asbestos exposure caused his COPD.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease and a TDIU. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined, and thus the case is being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease is related to his period of active duty service and granted the claim based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service in Vietnam during the period from January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975 is presumed. He was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and his claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant, thus dismissing the case.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and interpretation of ECG results.

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

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed coronary artery disease and COPD are not related to his service or any service-connected conditions. The evidence does not show a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease was not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, a heart disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss (prior to July 9, 2013), CAD, left calf scar and shell fragment wound residuals, left lower extremity lateral plantar sensory terminal latency, right thigh meralgia paresthetica, headache disability, and low back pain have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including low back disability, ED, hip disabilities, prostate disorder, inguinal hernia, headaches, hypertension, hoarseness, heart disease, and GERD. The decisions are based on secondary service connection due to herbicide exposure.