Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service connection claims for arteriosclerotic heart disease and multiple myeloma are granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise that he was exposed to herbicide agents during his service, which supports presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus Type II have been granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand.,Service connection is established for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus Type II as a result of presumed exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during service and had diagnoses for ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease prior to his death. The Board found that the criteria for presumptive service connection due to Agent Orange exposure were met, granting Nehmer accrued benefits.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for arterial hypertension, but denied it on its merits. The claims for heart disability and increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and lumbosacral spine disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's death was related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD. The VA will need to review the evidence and provide a medical opinion on this matter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disease and acquired psychiatric disorders due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and CAD, did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 21, 2010.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development of records and a VA medical opinion to address the theories of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 based on the Veteran’s death and service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim and found new and material evidence to support a reopening of the previously denied claim for service connection for the Veteran’s cause of death. However, it was determined that there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his suicide.

The Board has reopened several previously denied claims but has not granted service connection for any of the conditions. The decision is mixed, with some issues being remanded and others having new evidence received that does not meet the criteria for reopening.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his own willful misconduct, and at the time of death he was not in receipt of compensation for service-connected disability that met the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's in-service high cholesterol and hyperlipidemia, chest pain, and heart palpitations led to his current condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, varicose veins of the right leg, and varicose veins of the left leg. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was withdrawn, and the Board dismissed it. The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and a heart disorder are all granted. The heart disorder claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD, as well as the earlier effective dates for SMC at the housebound rate, TDIU, and DEA benefits are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information regarding his employment status.

The Board has remanded the cases of increased rating for coronary artery disease and service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus due to incomplete information from the Veteran regarding his treatment providers. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete addendum opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for TBI, Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, right ankle disability, and heart disability. The hearing loss claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for acne of the shoulders and chest. The case is remanded to determine service connection for postoperative coronary artery bypass graft surgery, including coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis.