Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions were denied as there was no evidence showing a nexus between his active service and the claimed disabilities, except for bilateral toenail removal which is not considered etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims have been recertified prematurely and the RO should complete the previously requested development before returning it to the Board.

Service Connection for Diabetes Mellitus, Type II: The Veteran's claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type II, during the appeal period.,Compensable Initial Rating for Scars, Left Thigh: The Veteran's service-connected scars are rated noncompensably disabling due to their superficial nature and lack of painful or unstable characteristics.,Earlier Effective Date for Coronary Artery Disease: The claim for an earlier effective date is denied as the claim was received more than one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's nonischemic coronary artery disease (CAD) is presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service in Vietnam. The claim for bone pain is remanded and requires further examination.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for coronary artery disease is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's evaluations for abdominal muscle injuries and wounds with laceration to liver and spleen are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that DIC benefits are not warranted due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD not meeting the criteria for total disability rating for 10 or more years immediately preceding death. The cause of death is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding whether the service-connected PTSD caused or contributed substantially to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is being remanded for further investigation due to the lack of evidence confirming herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for heart disorder, hypertension, and pregnancy related disorders due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left elbow fracture, left leg fracture, and left arm nerve damage are remanded due to outstanding records from the accident.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease (IHD) are granted as they are presumed related to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 100% effective from March 1, 2018. The other conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service connected, and the increased evaluation for coronary artery disease (CAD) is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and heart disease/disorder have all been denied.,Service connection has been granted for sleep apnea secondary to anxiety disorder and headaches secondary to anxiety disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his ischemic heart disease (IHD) due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding the current status and severity of his cardiac disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids has been reopened, but the Board is remanding it due to a lack of recent medical records and an examination.,The effective date for service-connected hypertensive heart disease remains August 12, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents, as there are incomplete records and a need to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for bilateral hearing loss, squamous cell carcinoma, intracranial subdural hematoma, peripheral neuropathy, thyroid disability, and heart disability. The remand is due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service-connected.