Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease prior to February 28, 2013 was denied by the Board. The Veteran also had a TDIU claim that was not adjudicated due to failure to comply with remand instructions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination by a cardiologist, and forwarding release forms for FAA and Henry Ford Medical Center records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's heart disability and stomach ulcers are related to his service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's CAD, hypertension, and GERD are not related to service or exposure to lead or asbestos during service.,There is no evidence of a heart condition in the year following separation from service, nor within one year after separation. The VA opinion indicates no correlation between the Veteran's conditions and his exposure to lead or asbestos.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, and his PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has worsened since the June 2017 VA examination, and a new evaluation is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass grafting, based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, finding new and material evidence. Both conditions are presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including vision problems, back disorder, hypertension, CAD and prostate cancer, are not related to his military service. The appeals for these claims have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding records and additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease is service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and a need for additional examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any relevant private medical records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including colon cancer, heart disability, immune deficiency, and sleep apnea. The claims are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding potential exposure to toxic materials during active service.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of September 26, 2012 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. This decision satisfies his request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of asthma, tuberculosis, a heart condition, pneumonia, diabetes, anemia, and bilateral blindness/macular degeneration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are presumed to be related to his military service due to herbicide exposure, specifically at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has restored the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD) rating to 100 percent effective January 1, 2014. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) remains on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his gout, renal cell cancer residuals, and pituitary microadenoma.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service-connected PTSD, which contributed substantially or materially to his death.