Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records. The issues are related to service connection for coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and dyspnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CMML is granted, with the condition being related to his exposure to ionizing radiation in service. The other claims are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them prior to a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran has ischemic heart disease presumed to be related to his Vietnam service, but denied service connection for breast cancer as it is not associated with herbicide exposure. The temporary total evaluation due to hospitalization over 21 days was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and other relevant documents.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 3, 2008.

The Veteran's current coronary artery disease (CAD) is not shown to be related to his active military service, including herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for CAD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, depression, PTSD, and alcoholism, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's coronary artery disease with reactive airway disease and COPD with mixed emphysematous and chronic bronchitis pattern are rated at their maximum levels, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status. Service connection for the cause of death is denied due to lack of evidence showing service-connected disability contributed to death.

The Veteran's service connection claim for low back disability is granted as his current low back disability is a chronic disability and he has experienced continuity of symptomatology since the injury during service.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU rating due to his service-connected coronary artery disease. The Board has referred the case for extraschedular consideration as he may be unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities but does not meet the percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 8, 1996 for service connection of coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied as the earliest effective date that can be assigned under VA laws and regulations is March 8, 1996.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical records, providing VCAA notice, and obtaining a VA opinion on the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for the Veteran's CAD from 100% to 60% effective as of June 1, 2012 was not proper.,The May 2008 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD is final. The claim has been reopened and new evidence received since that time raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding herbicide agent exposure during service, and will determine if the Veteran was exposed. If not, the claim for service connection will be denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to his exposure to toxic herbicides during service on the USS Newport News in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, and heart disorder are not related to his active service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type 2 due to herbicide exposure. However, the status of these issues is unknown as they are not explicitly addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the level of disability resulting from his service-connected obstructive coronary artery disease status post myocardial infarctions and stenting.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits has been granted, and he is now receiving a 100 percent evaluation for his heart condition (CAD). His renal insufficiency with hypertension is rated at 60 percent. He also receives SMC based on housebound status due to his CAD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, genital herpes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.