Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, type II, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of August 13, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, enlarged prostate, and Alzheimer’s disease due to Agent Orange exposure have been denied.,Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has also been denied.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicides while stationed at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claim for valvular heart disease was denied. The service connection claim for coronary artery disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus was granted.

The Veteran's claims for a right shoulder disability, hypertension, asthma, major depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, kidney and heart disabilities (secondary to hypertension), headaches, vertigo, and temporary total rating are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examinations.,The Veteran’s hypertension is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding its onset and whether it is related to service-connected conditions. The examiner must also determine if her hypertension is aggravated by her service-connected right shoulder disability.,The Veteran's asthma is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether she had breathing problems during service that could have led to her current condition.,The Veteran’s major depressive disorder is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding its onset and whether it is related to service-connected conditions. The examiner must also determine if her depression is aggravated by her service-connected right shoulder disability.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether she had sugar in her urine during service or if her condition is aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran’s kidney and heart disabilities (secondary to hypertension) are being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding their onset and relationship to her hypertension.,The Veteran's headaches and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on whether they are related to her cervical spine disability. The examiner must also determine if her conditions are aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran’s temporary total rating is being remanded as there is insufficient information regarding her need for convalescence following surgery.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an eye condition, a lung condition, and a heart condition. The evidence does not support finding that any current disability is related to service or in-service exposure.

The Veteran's daughter is denied retroactive Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits as her application was received more than one year after the initial rating decision establishing permanent and total disability.

The Veteran's cause of death is attributed to coronary artery disease, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to confirm whether the Veteran was present in Vietnam during his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disability.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for coronary artery disease, a left leg disability (including neuropathy), and a respiratory disability due to potential exposure to hazardous environmental conditions during service. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is also under review.

The Veteran's claims for heart disability, right eye macular hole, left eye disability, right small finger disability, and left small finger disability were denied. The claim for service connection for a right eye condition other than a macular hole was granted due to new evidence showing current diagnoses of cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal scars. However, the preponderance of the evidence did not support finding that any of these disabilities began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension, finding no evidence of a nexus to his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee and a VA medical opinion to determine if he was unemployable prior to July 24, 2015.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for CAD, hypertension, Crohn’s disease, and left femoral and saphenous nerve neuropathy have been denied. The effective date of service connection is February 1, 2013.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.,The Veteran's CAD prior to April 12, 2017 is granted at a 30 percent evaluation. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for CAD after that date is dismissed.,A VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, prostate cancer residuals, and Type II diabetes mellitus, are found to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for sleep apnea, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension due to insufficient examination reports.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to new evidence and a need for initial review by the Regional Office (RO).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for heart disease as it is inadequate for adjudication purposes and requires a new VA examination. The Veteran's lay statements, medical journal articles, and service treatment records will be considered in determining the nature and etiology of his heart disease, including whether it was incurred in or related to service.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding treatment records and that further examination is needed to address the Veteran's left eye vision disability. The claims for service connection will be remanded.