Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability, and the Board finds that his current condition was caused by other risk factors such as smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia, and family history of heart disease.

The Veteran's CAD, following coronary bypass surgery, has been rated at 60 percent since September 25, 2010. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including specifically his PTSD, CAD, and thoracolumbar spine disability, are productive of symptomatology and functional limitations that 'combine to render him fully incapable of securing and following substantial and gainful employment' since August 31, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be due to service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam Era, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of scarlet fever, a heart disorder as secondary to residuals of scarlet fever, and a lung disorder to include COPD due to asbestos exposure are all denied.,There is no evidence of current residuals of scarlet fever. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's scarlet fever resolved during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his coronary artery disease and right knee disability. The claims for higher ratings and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, diabetic neuropathy, urinary incontinence, spinal stenosis, stomach hernia, ischemic heart disease, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to in-service herbicide agent exposure and secondary service connection for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure as related to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.

The Board found that the appellant's hypertension and heart disability did not have their inception during service or within a presumptive period, and are not related to his active service. The Board also noted that there is no evidence of aggravation by any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) is granted, but with an effective date of April 18, 2011. The condition was presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, CAD and hypertension were all found to be related to his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, COPD, and CAD. The evidence did not establish direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disease was not related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his hypertension and heart disability were not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection, respectively.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing a cardiac specialist's opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or contributed to his death and if it either caused or permanently worsened his coronary artery disease and/or acute respiratory failure beyond normal progression.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and personnel files. The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, polycythemia vera, and erythrocytosis are also being referred to the AOJ.

The Board finds that the effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is June 30, 2003, as this is the earliest date VA received a claim subsequent to the diagnosis of CAD in 1992.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability and heart disability are service-connected, with no issues regarding rating or effective dates.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) from September 1, 2010.

The Veteran's heart disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange. Therefore, service connection for heart disease is denied.