Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease was denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure and the Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to Agent Orange exposure. The VA examiner's opinion was discounted in favor of an environmental toxicologist's opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and heart disability did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as he was not unemployable prior to January 25, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's leg disability is considered secondary to a service-connected back disability and claimed diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, do not render him unemployable prior to August 27, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a nexus between the development of these conditions and service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has found that the Veteran's type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are service connected, with the latter being secondary to the former. The claims for higher ratings of his ankle and spine disabilities have been remanded.

The Veteran is currently assigned a noncompensable rating for ischemic heart disease prior to June 15, 2016 and a rating of 30 percent thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran was entitled to a 10 percent rating from December 10, 2015 to June 15, 2016, but is not entitled to a compensable rating prior to December 10, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the medical expenses incurred on January 4, 2012 at Cassia Regional Medical Center were eligible for reimbursement because the treatment was deemed necessary and urgent due to the Veteran's history of heart failure and recent heart attack/stent placement. The facility provided emergency care in a timely manner despite not being feasibly available at VA facilities.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for PTSD was granted up to August 19, 2015. For his CAD, the Veteran received a 30 percent rating from January 7, 2010, to August 17, 2015, and a 60 percent rating beginning May 5, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD and dementia symptoms result in total occupational impairment, and his symptoms more nearly approximate total social impairment.,The evidence demonstrates that the Veteran requires the regular aid and attendance of another person as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a Veteran with examinations to determine the nature and cause of any right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, back disability, heart disability, hemorrhoids, and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral lower extremity pain, hypertension, skin disorders, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and heart disorder. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease has been rated at various levels based on his level of activity that results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. The rating was increased to 60% from October 3, 2005, and decreased back to 60% effective December 2, 2013.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 20% since October 13, 2010. Prior to this date, the rating was based on Level IV hearing loss in both ears. The improvement in his hearing after October 13, 2010, led to a decrease in the rating.,The Veteran's asbestosis has been rated at 30% since August 12, 2013. Prior to this date, the rating was based on FVC of 75-80 percent predicted or DLCO (SB) of 66-80 percent predicted. The improvement in his condition after August 12, 2013, led to a decrease in the rating.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes, a cerebral vascular accident, and a heart disability. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's prostate disability, diagnosed as prostatic hypertrophy and enlarged prostate, is not considered to be due to service or herbicide agent exposure. His hypertension and heart disorder are presumed to have been caused by his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic heart disorder other than hypertension, and the competent medical evidence does not support service connection for either condition. The Veteran's hypertension was not diagnosed during service or post-service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand and insufficient medical evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The claims were remanded multiple times due to procedural issues.