Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a cardiovascular disability, claiming it as ischemic heart disease. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 60 percent prior to November 21, 2012.,Since December 16, 2010, the Veteran has been found unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and there is no evidence of a nexus between the current condition and in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's heart disability, diagnosed as congestive heart failure, was first manifested many years after service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current heart disability is related to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for further development, including consideration of new evidence and a VA examination. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this additional review.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorders, including valvular heart disease (status post mitral valve replacement and aortic valve replacement), recurrent atrial fibrillation, and aortic valve stenosis, are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a new hearing for his claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction and to determine whether he wishes to have the temporary total evaluation for femoral bypass surgery issue heard at the same time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection were denied. An earlier effective date claim for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities was granted on April 18, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 30, 2015 for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease has been denied as there is no evidence showing a previous claim or diagnosis prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disability or hypertension, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a cardiovascular examination to assess the severity of his service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA medical opinion regarding his heart disorder and chest pain. The TDIU claim is also being referred to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was denied, with the RO increasing his disability rating to 30 percent effective December 23, 2010.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as none of his service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for a combined rating of at least 70%.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is presumed to be related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bipolar disorder is granted, and he is currently rated at 30 percent from January 20, 2011. For coronary artery disease, the Veteran is granted an initial evaluation of 100 percent effective February 17, 2015.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease and diabetes mellitus. However, both conditions were not shown during or within one year after service separation, thus service connection is denied.

Service connection for tinnitus and ischemic heart disease has been granted.,The Veteran's tinnitus is presumed to be related to service exposure, while his ischemic heart disease is assigned a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, heart condition, kidney condition, and erectile dysfunction, all claimed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents. The appeal will be remanded to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's alleged TDY in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is not service connected, as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and the condition did not manifest within one year of separation.