Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The claims of service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, heart disorder, and high blood pressure have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,New evidence has not reopened previously denied claims of service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI), blurry vision, and blepharospasm.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can dress himself, bathe, manage his finances, and take care of his hygiene needs. The Board denied special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are incomplete due to missing VA treatment records. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and atrial flutter as due to herbicide exposure, finding no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete records, inadequate examinations, and need for additional testing. The issues include stroke, heart disability secondary to hypertension, lumbar spine conditions, bilateral knee disabilities, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. The claims are being reviewed again as part of a de novo process.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied. The TDIU and SMC claims are dismissed as moot due to the combined 100% rating, and the DEA eligibility claim is denied prior to March 24, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and heart disorder. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was also denied. Additionally, the Board found that recoupment of severance pay is proper.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU as of June 23, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board also found that the Veteran is not substantially confined to his home and therefore denied SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and viremia due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during active service. The Veteran's service records show he was stationed aboard ships within the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to active service or any other condition.,The Veteran's STRs did not document any issues with his heart or blood pressure during service. The VA examiners concluded that there was no evidence supporting a direct relationship between the current conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, including coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, is not related to his military service. The condition was first diagnosed more than 15 years after discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease was granted. His claim for hypertension was not reopened, and his increased rating for coronary artery disease remains at 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during active service in Thailand is presumed, and he maintains a current diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Therefore, service connection for coronary artery disease (claimed as IHD) is granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, effective March 10, 2009. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning June 17, 2009.

Heart disease and residuals of stroke have been denied as not incurred or related to service.,Right leg condition and left leg condition have been denied as not incurred or related to service. Macular degeneration of the eyes (bilateral) has been remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is remanded. Additional development is needed to verify the Veteran’s reported in-service exposure to herbicides and a VA examination is required to determine if his heart disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, heart disease, liver disorder (abnormal liver enzymes), and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, joint disorder, cataracts, coronary artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, esophageal varices, and skin disorder is remanded due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.,Specifically, the Board requests further investigation into the Veteran's claimed exposure to Agent Orange at Clark Air Base in the Philippines from May to December 1965.