Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and other service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg muscle spasms, heart disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination addressing new evidence and current medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. The Board also found that the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to February 9, 2015, due to service-connected disabilities, should be remanded as it does not meet the schedular criteria but may potentially qualify for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and chronic myelogenous leukemia due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam. The VA will need to verify if the Veteran was present within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from January 23, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise on whether he required the regular aid and attendance of another person for his daily activities due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his functional impairment from service-connected disabilities between March 1, 2008 and June 22, 2011. The case will be referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and coronary artery disease, have been granted. The appeals are based on the aggravation of these conditions by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is remanded due to uncertainty regarding his exposure in the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam and whether he was flown into and set foot on the military airbase in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the relationship between the Veteran's non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and hypertension, as well as the potential aggravation of these conditions by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease, including congestive heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy, is aggravated by his service-connected lung cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and a skin condition due to exposure to herbicide agents. The VA is instructed to obtain additional records from private healthcare facilities and VA medical centers, as well as determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while serving in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and an increased evaluation for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD), status-post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is being remanded due to the need for a new examination. The TDIU issue is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the CAD claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the cause of death and a need for additional records from the Veteran's care providers.

The Board has denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease, but has remanded the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected disability.