Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling an additional hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets all three elements of service connection for ischemic heart disease, including due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to myocardial infarction and heart disease, which were not service-connected. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand or elsewhere during the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities was 90 percent on February 3, 2011, and he has at least one disability rated higher than 40 percent. The criteria for a TDIU are met due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be sudden cardiac death caused by atherosclerotic heart disease. The service-connected back disability is not considered the principal or contributory cause of death.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for labyrinthitis, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, bilateral glaucoma and cataracts (claimed as eye disorder), type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction (ED), and coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, claimed as tachycardia, and conjunctivitis were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or causation in service.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent since July 13, 2016. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's heart disability, including as due to herbicide exposure, is service-connected. However, his adjustment disorder with memory loss and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome are not found to be related to active duty service or service-connected conditions. His peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is also not found to be related to service.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for service connection of his heart disability and increased ratings. The Board has remanded the case to allow for further development.

The Veteran died of atrial fibrillation due to hypertension, and the evidence does not support direct service connection for these conditions.,VA determined that the appellant is not eligible for burial benefits as her net worth was a bar to entitlement.

The Board found that the cause of death (heart failure) was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing service treatment records and for obtaining VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease, status post CABG and pacemaker (claimed as heart condition/bradycardia) associated with herbicide exposure is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining records of his in-service exposure to radiation and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his heart disorder and chronic skin condition. The issues are currently before the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, renal cell carcinoma and partial nephrectomy of left kidney, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, significantly impair his ability to work. The Board finds that these disabilities preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.