Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service and finds that he is entitled to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and coronary artery disease as presumptively related to such exposure.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to May 21, 2015 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to December 3, 2010 for his award of a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). The decision found that the claim was not filed within one year before the effective date and did not meet the schedular numeric criteria for an award of TDIU until December 3, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory condition have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease is remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and TDIU prior to January 3, 2012 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the schedular criteria or for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to diabetes and coronary artery disease. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran’s exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and his hypertension.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and therefore entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for a restoration of the 60% rating for CAD, effective April 1, 2014 is granted. The claim for an increased rating for CAD to in excess of 60% is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is granted with an initial rating of 60 percent effective October 8, 2008. The appeal for a higher rating prior to August 18, 2011 and in excess of 60 percent from that date is denied.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, post-CABG surgery, is rated at a 60 percent disability rating beginning April 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, heart disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, right leg disorder, and right foot disorder were denied. The claim for service connection of the gastrointestinal disorder was reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial in 1981. The remaining issues remain denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, or ischemic heart disease as these conditions are not related to his military service. The claims have been denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the appellant withdrew her claims for service connection for a right kidney condition and a heart condition prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is found to be service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam Era service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding private and VA treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Veteran's cause of death, coronary heart disease, was service connected on a presumptive basis for exposure to herbicide agents. The appellant is seeking an earlier effective date for DIC benefits.

The Veteran's CAD was reduced from a 60% to a 30% disability rating, but the Board found this reduction improper and restored the original 60% rating.,The initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted at 40%, effective November 10, 2010.

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

The Veteran's claims for headaches, hypertension, and CAD are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or service connection due to the lack of in-service onset or continuity of symptomatology.