Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with renal insufficiency, coronary artery disease status post stent placement, and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and bilateral high frequency hearing loss, collectively prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right shoulder scar was initially denied a compensable rating prior to August 2, 2017. A 10 percent rating is granted beginning on that date.,Service connection for heart disorder and bilateral wrist disorders are remanded due to outstanding records.,Right shoulder disability and cervical spine disability ratings are remanded as the Veteran's symptoms have worsened since his last examination in 2014.,Lumbar spine disability rating is remanded as the Veteran's range of motion has worsened since his last VA examination in 2014.,Bilateral foot disabilities and PFB of the face and upper neck are remanded due to outstanding treatment records. Migraine headaches are also remanded for a new examination.,,,

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to December 11, 2012 for a 100% rating for his service-connected heart disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a heart disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not establish in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disorder is dismissed. Service connection is granted for both left and right knee disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was granted with an effective date of August 31, 1984. The condition is presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease, have rendered him unemployable due to his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's heart disability is related to his service, including presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, as the evidence did not show a link to active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, cancer of the kidneys, and heart condition due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing in-service onset or a link between his current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied.,Effective dates prior to June 21, 2013 for the award of service connection for a low back disability and radiculopathy are not granted.,Effective dates prior to May 10, 2016 for the award of service connection for radiculopathy are not granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's ischemic heart disease, specifically whether it is related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

Service connection is granted for ischemic heart disease. The cases of COPD, bladder cancer, TDIU, and the cause of death are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability has been reopened and granted. His PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from February 13, 2015. The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides and pesticides during service. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for VA to obtain any outstanding records, including private treatment records. A VA medical examination will be conducted to determine if the Veteran’s current disabilities are related to his in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 4, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and chronic lymphocytic leukemia as the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam, could not be presumed exposed to Agent Orange during service, and there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange at Ubon Air Base where he served.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and his sensorineural hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's COPD, hypertensive heart disease, PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including memory disorder, major depression, and generalized anxiety), and erectile dysfunction are all remanded for further development.