Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is considered a significant condition contributing to his death, which grants him service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, restless leg syndrome of the left and right legs, and a heart condition have been reopened. The appeals are granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, and bilateral foot diabetic neuropathy are all granted.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred as a result of active duty service due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease due to the claim being received after one year from separation from active duty, and as no earlier entitlement arose.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, thus the appellant does not qualify for CHAMPVA benefits.

The Veteran's lung condition has been granted a disability rating of 60 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of service connection for a heart condition on secondary basis remains pending.

The Veteran's post-transplant heart disease and diabetes mellitus are not service connected as they did not manifest in service or within one year following separation. The scar from the heart transplant is also not service-connected.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, left foot disability, and heart disorder are not related to his active service. The evidence does not show a current disability for VA purposes or any link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder and chest pain is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic ischemic cardiac condition related to his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran's current heart disorder was less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case to arrange for a DRO hearing due to scheduling issues, and no action is required on your part at this time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not exposed to Agent Orange during his military service and therefore cannot establish presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, cardiac disabilities, or stroke. The claims are denied as direct service connection is not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and opinion regarding his heart condition, as well as to address the TDIU claim. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient research and findings regarding exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Veteran's claim for service connection is on hold until further development is completed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disability and a stomach disability, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected ischemic heart disease and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, including as due to exposure to herbicides, is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to address her claims of service connection for breast cancer, heart condition, and acute traumatic disability with water retention.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease has rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and transient ischemic attack are not service-connected due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and no evidence of chronicity within one year post-service. The exposure basis was determined as 'none' since there is no evidence of herbicide agent exposure during service.