Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board is unable to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service at Eglin AFB in 1964 or 1965, and thus cannot decide on the merits of the claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disorder, erectile dysfunction, and left eye disorder. The case is being remanded to attempt verification of exposure.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I; coronary artery disease (CAD); bilateral eye disorder; and neuropathy are remanded due to new evidence received from a private medical opinion suggesting that these conditions were significantly and materially contributed by the Veteran's service-connected mental health condition.

The Veteran's surviving spouse is not entitled to an increased monetary award for DIC benefits as she does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to lack of dependents and other factors.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation of coronary artery disease in excess of 60 percent prior to March 18, 2011, and 100 percent prior to June 18, 2014, is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for stage 3 chronic kidney disease as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected ischemic heart disease is denied as there was no informal or formal claim prior to June 20, 2006.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 1, 2011 for the award of DIC based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death. The appeal is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance during the period from January 1, 2011 through May 2017.

The Veteran's initial rating for CAD, status post CABG, is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher 100 percent rating due to lack of congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent. The TDIU claim was also denied as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD). The Veteran's appeal involves a period prior to March 24, 2018 and after that date. The effective date of service connection remains unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral edema of the left and right lower extremities, impotency, and diabetes mellitus has been dismissed.,PTSD was granted with a TDIU effective prior to July 7, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated VA records to assess his service-connected ischemic heart disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which may affect his eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment benefits.

The Veteran's skin cancer and CAD were denied service connection. The reduction of the CAD rating from 100% to 30% was upheld, but a new rating of 60% was granted effective February 21, 2017.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a broken nose and found proper the termination of service connection for heart disability and PTSD. The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as his motion did not meet the requirements set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 20.1404.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease / coronary artery disease is granted as due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service on the USS Vesole in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset in active service or was otherwise causally connected to active service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin disorder (tinea pedis) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset in active service or was otherwise causally connected to active service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disorder (enlarged heart) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset in active service or was otherwise causally connected to active service. The claim has been reopened, but remains denied due to lack of nexus with service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset in active service or was otherwise causally connected to active service. The claim has been reopened, but remains denied due to lack of nexus with service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it had its onset in active service or was otherwise causally connected to active service.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, which was related to his service-connected bilateral lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, contributed substantially and materially to his death. The Board has granted service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes) is granted at a 40 percent level, but no higher. The issues of service connection for a heart disability and total disability rating based on individual unemployability are remanded.

The Veteran's heart disability, including his cause of death, is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. Service connection for coronary artery disease and the cause of death are granted.

The Veteran's heart disability is not related to his military service, nor is it secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder and/or right radial nerve palsy.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is presumed due to noise exposure during his time in Iraq.

Service connection for a low back injury and arthritis is denied.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure in the Korean DMZ is denied.,Service connection for a sinus condition and COPD (claimed as asthma) due to herbicide exposure in the Korean DMZ is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and depression. The claims are now remanded to allow for a VA examination regarding cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, depression, and TIA.