Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, as well as his claim for a lumbar spine disability. The decisions are based on lack of evidence showing in-service exposure to herbicide agents or an established relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection and increased ratings on a substitution basis, finding that she did not qualify as a child or have expenses related to her mother's last sickness and burial.

The Veteran's service-connected depression with PTSD and anxiety warrants a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The Board found that his symptoms cannot be distinguished from each other, so all psychiatric symptoms are considered in the adjudication of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's heart disorder has been rated at 60 percent since March 26, 2016.,Prior to March 26, 2016, the Veteran was granted a 100 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in a unit stationed at or near the Korean DMZ and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are not related to service, including presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease is granted as the condition is presumed due to herbicide exposure during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining records of his service at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base and a VA examination to assess the severity of his hiatal hernia with Barrett's esophagus.

The Veteran's causes of death (acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and hypertension) were not service-connected. The residuals of a fractured right rib at a noncompensable level did not cause or contribute substantially to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the case as he is no longer alive.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for coronary artery disease was proper, and denied entitlement to a TDIU rating and an extraschedular rating based upon multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's appeal of the initial rating for coronary artery disease and a higher rating for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for asbestosis. The heart disorder and lumbar spine disorder claims are remanded to obtain adequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has granted reopening of the claims for service connection for a heart disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that new evidence received since the prior denial is material to these claims.,Service connection is now established for a heart disorder. The Veteran's current heart disorder is found to be causally connected to his in-service rheumatic fever.

The Veteran's claim for DIC benefits for his grandchildren B.M., J.M., and T.M. was denied because they are not legally adopted or stepchildren of the Veteran, and therefore do not qualify as dependents under VA regulations. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted based on presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Thailand.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and granted it.,Service connection is denied for heart disease, as there is no current diagnosis of a heart disability during the pendency of this appeal.

[object Object],[object Object]