Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, effective April 26, 2019.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus remains at a 20 percent rating. The Board did not find evidence of regulation of activities required for an increase to 40 percent.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 40 percent.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 40 percent.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is rated at 10 percent.,Diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a heart disability and skin disorder, as they are related to service exposure to herbicide agents. The claims will be reviewed again with additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and earlier effective dates were denied. The current rating for hypertension is 10 percent, but the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Effective dates for service connection of hypertension and hypertensive heart disease, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, status-post CABG, are also denied.

The claim of service connection for cause of death was denied in May 1985 due to lack of a relationship between the Veteran's heart condition and his military service. The claim has not been reopened with new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for right-hand condition with a fracture and limitation of motion is denied.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) is remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, heart condition, respiratory condition, bronchitis, lower back condition, and sleep disorder due to lack of evidence regarding the Veteran's dates of service.

The veteran's spouse is not eligible for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to her income exceeding the maximum allowable limit.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, nervous condition with stomach problems, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypercholesterolemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and acute cholecystitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,Service connection is denied for hypertension, CAD, and hypercholesterolemia.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease, which he contends is related to his exposure to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam, has been remanded due to the need for additional factual development regarding his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, heart disability, and diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other conditions that could support the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his coronary artery disease aggravated his pancreatic cancer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertension as the result of exposure to Agent Orange are granted. The claim for peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to lack of evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and coronary artery disease. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to his in-service exposure to herbicides. His coronary artery disease, nephropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathies are also granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, and no service connection was granted for any of the conditions.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death and denied accrued benefits due to lack of pending claims at the time of death.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional medical examinations and opinions to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder, as well as the current severity of his heart disorder. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and entitlement to an increased rating for a heart disorder are being remanded due to incomplete or insufficient examination reports.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of ischemic heart disease is dismissed as the decision that assigned the current July 2, 2003 effective date has already become final.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board will take all necessary steps to determine if the Veteran was within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam and attempt to corroborate his assertions.