Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depressive disorders, is related to his service in Vietnam. The Board finds that the probative evidence of record is at least in equipoise on the factors of service incurrence and nexus, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear diagnoses of heart disorders and a need for further medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure has been remanded. The Board found that new evidence supports reopening the claims, but further verification of the Veteran's alleged exposures is needed.

The Board denied retroactive VA compensation benefits for ischemic heart disease as the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of IHD at any time during or in proximity to the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicide agents, as the evidence does not rebut the presumption of service connection provided under 38 U.S.C. § 1116.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining audiometric test results and determining whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is also being remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving on the U.S.S. Lynde McCormick, as it needs to determine if he served in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received, but did not make a final determination on whether service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Board finds the Veteran’s current heart condition and cervical spine disability issues are inextricably intertwined with his remanded claim for increased ratings.

The Veteran's death was caused by anemia, liver failure, and myocardial infraction. The VA examiner is requested to determine if the service-connected pulmonary fibrosis contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, ulcer condition (likely GERD), hemorrhoid disability, and bilateral tinea pedis due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset or relationship to service. The Veteran is entitled to a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding whether any of the conditions causing or contributing to the Veteran's death were related to service.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and loss of the right leg as they were not shown to be related to service or due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The Heart Condition case is remanded as there are insufficient findings regarding its relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to May 15, 2014. The Board also granted TDIU based on service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2013, and SMC from prior to May 15, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic heart condition, including residuals of myocardial infarction with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease, is granted. The claim for a compensable rating for a right shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his ischemic heart disease from September 1, 2016 is rated at 60 percent. The Board found the evidence insufficient to warrant a higher rating for ischemic heart disease.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for bilateral hearing loss, effective dates prior to July 9, 2012, for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis and coronary artery disease, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability due to any chronic hepatitis infection. The claim for secondary service connection for coronary artery disease to include as due to hepatitis was also denied.