Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records related to the Veteran's ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected for burial purposes due to the absence of a service-connected disability at the time of his death. The claim for accrued benefits was also denied as there were no pending claims or unpaid benefits at the time of his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, to include ischemic heart disease as secondary to herbicide agent exposure is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity disabilities and several other conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. The Board has granted SMC benefits at the (r)(1) rate based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing as he meets the criteria for loss or use of both lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for asthma, deviated septum, and a heart disability due to duty to assist errors. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on exposure to diesel fuel and other fumes during his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease with coronary bypass graft, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar strain, mild muscle weakness in multiple extremities, and embolic stroke residual, were granted effective from March 31, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease as secondary to hypertension, and diabetes mellitus as secondary to hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or any in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for ischemic heart disease and compensation rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 9, 2018 are also pending.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for emphysema and heart disability were dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease (CAD), bilateral hearing loss, and scarring due to heart bypass surgery, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and he is awarded a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The effective date for the increased ratings for hearing loss and heart disease are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease is denied. The Board has also remanded the case to obtain updated medical records and schedule a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records from Osceola Regional Medical Center. The focus is on determining if the Veteran was exposed to tactical herbicide agents at Don Muang RTAFB during his service as a fire prevention specialist.

The Veteran's request to reopen a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was granted. The claims for left shoulder, pulmonary, skin (chloracne), and heart disabilities were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, prostate condition, hypertension, and stroke due to potential herbicide exposure in Korea. The Veteran is presumed exposed to herbicide agents during his service.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that ischemic heart disease contributed to his death.

The appeals for service connection for left knee replacement, glaucoma, sleep apnea, polyps in the colon, and right knee arthritis are dismissed. Service connection is granted for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right knee. The appeals for service connection for hypertension and heart disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and deviated septum has been restored. Service connection for PTSD, GERD, sleep apnea, hypertension, and coronary artery disease is remanded.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various cancers and a heart disorder due to herbicide exposure, as the Veteran died during the appeal process.