Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease was rated at 60 percent prior to March 26, 2009 and remains at that rating. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The claims for service connection for anterior cortical cataract and bilateral amblyopia, hypertension, pseudoptosis, and a heart condition have been previously denied. New evidence submitted does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,The claims for service connection for chronic pulmonary disease have also been previously denied. New evidence submitted does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart and lung disabilities are not related to his active service, and thus denied these claims. The skin disability is rated at 60%.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and CAD disabilities alone do not render him unemployable, as he has been employed in various roles including customer service and bartending.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was granted a rating of 60 percent effective June 20, 2012. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for his other conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was denied as the evidence did not support more than four episodes per year of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.,Service connection for coronary artery disease, to include as secondary to service-connected paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, was also denied due to lack of a causal relationship between the conditions.

The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, not service-connected CAD. Therefore, a rating in excess of the current 10 percent for CAD is denied.

The Veteran's heart disorder, including supraventricular tachycardia, is found to be related to her service. Effective November 15, 2011, she was granted a rating of 10% for instability of the right knee and an effective date of November 15, 2011.

The Veteran's heart disorder, including supraventricular tachycardia, is found to be related to her service. Effective November 15, 2011, she was granted a rating of 10% for instability of the right knee and an effective date of that same day for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability existed prior to service and did not increase in severity due to a May 2000 heat stroke incident, thus denying service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, and concluded that there is no evidence of fault on VA's part. Therefore, the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 has been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for heart disability and CFS. The Veteran's current diagnoses, including non-obstructive coronary artery disease and supraventricular arrhythmia, raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and arthritis contributed to his death from myelodysplastic syndrome. As a result, the appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and hypertension, both claimed as secondary to PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment as of April 29, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a supplemental opinion regarding the relationship between his heart disability and service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The current VA examination did not address direct service connection or when the disability likely first manifested.

The Veteran's congestive heart failure is found to be causally related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus the claim for service connection for a heart disability is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in the Republic of Korea, leading to presumptive service connection for prostate cancer and coronary artery disease. Erectile dysfunction is also presumed due to the same exposure.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a more complete expert opinion regarding his employability given his service-connected disabilities and educational/vocational history.