Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to withdrawals of the claims by the Veteran and his representative.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is currently rated at 100 percent disabling from January 30, 2017. Prior to October 16, 2012, the rating was 10 percent; and from October 16, 2012 to January 29, 2017, it was 60 percent.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma, now diagnosed as ACOS, has been rated at the maximum 100 percent since January 13, 2006. The cause of death listed on his death certificate was atherosclerotic heart disease, but chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure and renal disease were also noted as significant conditions contributing to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and an initial compensable evaluation for his right thigh scar were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have ischemic heart disease, which is required for service connection under presumptive provisions. His right thigh scar was also deemed non-compensably disabling.

The Veteran's heart disability is not service-connected and no secondary service connection has been established.,Prior to February 19, 2016, the Veteran's prostatitis did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on urinary frequency. After that date, it met the criteria for a 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's Peyronie's disease does not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating as there is no evidence of loss of erectile power or deformity requiring special monthly compensation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.350.,The Veteran's penile scars do not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating based on their size and stability.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 100 percent disabling since February 20, 2013. As a result of this rating, the issue of entitlement to TDIU from that date is moot.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his active service. The claims for PTSD, heart condition, hypertension, and DM are denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed disability.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, hypertension, and eye disorder are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions from previous VA examinations. The Board requires new examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's heart condition was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence of a pre-existing heart condition worsening during service, and the VA medical opinion concluded that the current heart condition is less likely than not permanently aggravated beyond its natural progression by service.

The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Korea and currently has ischemic heart disease. After resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board grants service connection for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 3, 2002 for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease status post stent placement with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure is denied as VA law prohibits assigning an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his coronary artery disease, and providing an appropriate VA examination to evaluate his entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right little finger fracture residuals do not warrant a compensable rating. His coronary artery disease (CAD) is rated at 30% since June 19, 2017, due to evidence of cardiac hypertrophy.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 16, 2016 is being remanded as the evidence suggests that he may be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a heart condition, but has also found that reopening is warranted due to the submission of new evidence. The decision remains mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a supplemental medical opinion to address the relationship between his service-connected conditions and the claimed disabilities.

The Board found insufficient evidence of herbicide exposure and no in-service diagnosis or treatment for ischemic heart disease. Therefore, the Veteran's cause of death is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service at the Udorn RTAFB and therefore, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease are presumed to have been incurred in active service.