Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation as of November 27, 2009. Prior to that date, he did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for DM and a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease. The back disability claim is remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding its etiology.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an increased rating for coronary artery disease. As a result, these issues are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's VA treatment records will be reviewed, and a VA examination may be required.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran was presumptively exposed to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, coronary artery disease, supraventricular arrhythmias, and abdominal aortic aneurysm as secondary to hypertension due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service or their relationship to hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's coronary artery disease and anxiety disorder are both being reviewed.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and its residuals due to pacemaker implantation, finding no evidence of such conditions during or after active duty.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of both hips was not incurred in or aggravated during service and is not presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to herbicide agents. The respiratory disorder (chronic bronchitis) may be related to exposure to toxic chemicals, including herbicide agents, at McChord Air Force Base. Arteriosclerotic heart disease is also linked to exposure to toxic chemicals.,The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease was not incurred in or aggravated during service and is not presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to herbicide agents. The respiratory disorder (chronic bronchitis) may be related to exposure to toxic chemicals, including herbicide agents, at McChord Air Force Base.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease from November 26, 2004 and a 30 percent rating from June 28, 2007 is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a 100 percent rating for ischemic heart disease since February 27, 2012 is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, coronary artery disease, and renal insufficiency. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed heart condition, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and chronic urinary tract condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and TDIU due to incomplete records and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to October 21, 2014 was denied. The Veteran also had an increased disability rating for CAD from February 1, 2015.,The VA determined that the Veteran’s condition did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 30 percent or an increased rating of 60 percent prior to October 21, 2014 and from February 1, 2015 respectively.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and arteriosclerotic heart disease have been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Board denied service connection for atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease (heart condition) due to herbicide exposure, finding no evidence of a current disability or a link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and heart disability were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disorder and nervous system disorder, including Parkinson's disease. The claims are being returned to VA for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting examinations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction requires an oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet but not regulation of activities.,The Veteran’s hypertension requires continuous medication.,Right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is manifested by mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,Left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is manifested by mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,For the entire rating period on appeal, the Veteran's PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment with difficulties in most areas due to symptoms such as disturbance of mood and motivation, irritability, anxiety, sleep impairment, and depression; total occupational and social impairment was not shown.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was granted following an application to reopen which was received by the RO on December 1, 2009.,The Veteran was granted service connection for coronary artery disease, status-post angioplasty and aortocoronary bypass, following a claim of entitlement to service connection which was received by the RO on September 6, 2007.