Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange, during his service in Vietnam and thus meets the criteria for presumptive service connection for ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for VA examinations and additional development of records.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for ischemic heart disease was granted, with a rating of 60 percent effective December 5, 2016. The current appeal is about the same issue.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease prior to May 6, 2013 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a fungal infection of the left great toe and heart disability (to include an enlarged heart and ischemic heart disease) have been granted. The claim for initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the appellant's acquired psychiatric disorder and arteriosclerotic heart disease are not attributable to service, including ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral plantar fasciitis, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent as of April 20, 2015. Effective from July 15, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to TDIU due to his depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were withdrawn. The claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was denied.

The Board found no evidence of ischemic heart disease during the pendency of the claim and denied the Veteran's service connection claim for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for PTSD and determined that new evidence supports a finding of service connection. The other issues were dismissed as they are not related to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertensive heart disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's service connection claims for heart disability, skin disability, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus and arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) have been granted service connection, with the latter being presumed due to herbicide exposure. The VA has determined that the Veteran visited the perimeter of Udorn RTAFB in Thailand during his service, establishing herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease was not incurred in service and is not presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. The Board found that the current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease is less likely than not caused by or as a result of the costochondritis and borderline cardiomegaly he experienced during service.

The Veteran's appeal for a reduction in his ischemic heart disease rating from 30% to 10% was upheld. For the period beginning January 1, 2015, he is not entitled to an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's heart disability is not service-connected. His hypertension, eye injury, and foot disability are all service-connected.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that new evidence received since the April 1982 denial includes relevant official service department records not previously considered.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and he did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 or accrued benefits. The appellant is also ineligible for death pension as of September 1, 2014.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, and AL amyloidosis due to herbicide agent exposure. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,Regarding erectile dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer, the opinions from Dr. C.J. are contradictory.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the recent decision granting a 100 percent schedular rating for ischemic heart disease effective February 18, 2016. The remaining issues have therefore been dismissed.