Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's heart condition, including coronary artery disease, angina, and hypertension, is being remanded for a new VA medical opinion due to the inadequacy of the previous opinion. The claim will also be reviewed for verification of DDT exposure during service in Thailand.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's account of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides in Vietnam was not credible. The Board also found no evidence of exposure to asbestos or other chemicals during his time at Laughlin Air Force Base. As a result, the claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and stroke residuals due to Agent Orange exposure as there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection. The VA will obtain all outstanding treatment records, including those from Dr. K.S., and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to PTSD, finding that it did not contribute substantially or materially to his death. The Board also found that the cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease were not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disorder, hypertension, prostate disorder, acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder), and respiratory disorders (including asbestosis and COPD) have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete information and records. The Veteran is required to provide copies of his Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records.

The Board denied the petition to reopen a claim of service connection for a heart disability, finding that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

A 60% rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted as of June 17, 2011.,A rating in excess of 30% for CAD prior to June 17, 2011 and a rating in excess of 60% earlier than November 1, 2012 are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in him being housebound or needing regular aid and attendance, independent of his nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the previous rating decisions.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary artery disease, which is presumed to have been caused by his service in Vietnam. Therefore, the Board granted service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a heart disability was granted on March 11, 2016 with an effective date of that day. The Board found no earlier effective date due to lack of evidence meeting the criteria under Nehmer and 38 C.F.R. § 3.816.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his major depressive disorder and spinal conditions, rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment as of December 21, 2016.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and heart condition (costochondritis and coronary artery disease) are granted as service-connected. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if the heart conditions are related to service or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient opinions regarding his sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy, as well as a need for an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Veteran's cervical spine injury is not related to his military service.,There is no evidence that the Veteran’s sleep apnea began in or is related to his active duty service.,The preponderance of the evidence does not demonstrate a link between the Veteran’s heart disease and his service-connected psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran's stomach problems, also claimed as ulcers, did not begin during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or illness.,There is no current diagnosis of right ear scars due to a head injury. The claim must be denied.,Residuals of the head injury do not have a link to service and were not caused by it.,The Veteran's migraines are not related to his residuals of a head injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand. The Veteran's service connection claims for various cancers and other conditions are being reviewed again, with a focus on confirming any potential herbicide exposure during his time at Korat Air Force Base.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating and TDIU due to inconsistencies in evidence regarding his ischemic heart disease. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if any diagnosed cardiovascular disability is related to in-service exposure to commercial herbicides, as the Veteran contends.