Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of recent evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to new and material evidence. However, the issue remains remanded as an addendum VA opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's heart disability was a contributing factor to his death.

The appeal to reopen service connection for a heart condition is granted. The appeal seeking an increased compensable evaluation for COPD is remanded.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has not resulted in more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure, a workload less than 5 METs, left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 50%, or other disabling symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy and coronary artery disease (CAD) were granted service connection for accrued benefits purposes. The effective date for the grant of service connection for CAD is set at August 22, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran was granted service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus Type II, and Parkinson's disease due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Vietnam. He is also awarded special monthly compensation at the (l) level based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's heart disability was not incurred in service and cannot be presumed due to herbicide exposure. The Board found no credible evidence of the Veteran setting foot on land or within inland waterways of Vietnam, thus denying presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam-era service.

The Veteran's respiratory, eye, low back, gastrointestinal, left hand burn residuals, and heart disorders were not incurred during active duty or related to military service.,Service connection was denied for all claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for heart disease, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between her current condition and her military service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate VA examinations, and new etiology opinions are required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, lumbar myositis (back condition), degenerative arthritis of the knees, tinnitus, left foot arthritis, right hip and left hip conditions, left ankle and right ankle conditions, a bilateral foot condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease is granted. The Board has ordered an examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran’s hypertension and his service-connected CAD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, which is sufficient evidence for presumptive service connection of a heart condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA medical records and a need to reconsider whether he served in Vietnam, which could affect his eligibility for Agent Orange exposure presumptions. The claims will be returned to the RO for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide agent exposure, finding that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange and thus qualifying for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disorder, kidney disorder, anemia, and hypertension were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease, and the Board dismissed the case as there is no remaining issue to decide.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and its relation to his military service, particularly concerning asbestos exposure.