Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, to include as a result of herbicide agent exposure (Agent Orange), for the purpose of accrued benefits. The Veteran had ischemic heart disease that manifested to a degree of 10 percent disabling and was presumed exposed to an herbicide agent during active service in Vietnam.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for prostate cancer, CAD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are now considered reopened due to new evidence received since the final November 2015 rating decision. Service connection is granted on a presumptive basis as the diseases are associated with exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's CAD symptoms have worsened, and a VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to March 26, 2019 and his CAD is rated at 60%. The TDIU claim for the period before March 26, 2019 was granted but dismissed as moot due to the Veteran now receiving a 100% rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, bilateral foot skin rash, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted.,Service connection has also been granted for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's granulomatous disease and coronary artery disease are not service-connected as they did not manifest within one year of his active duty.,The Veteran's prostate cancer is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of his active duty. The Veteran also does not have any current symptoms or issues related to prostate cancer that pre-date his diagnosis.,VA has determined that the Veteran was likely exposed to smoke screens during military training, but there is no evidence linking these exposures to the Veteran's current conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, primarily PTSD and coronary artery disease, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's death was caused by ileum cancer with metastasis, which is not service-connected. The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for a medical opinion regarding whether his military service contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding his heart condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disability and left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD) and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the S-1 rate after August 1, 2017 is denied. The VA determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating for CAD due to lack of congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30%. Additionally, his SMC benefits at the S-1 rate are denied as he no longer has a service-connected disability rated at 100%.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates, including his service-connected chronic headaches and coronary artery disease. The remand also includes a request for additional medical records and an examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's heart disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his heart disorder, hypertension, cystitis with episodic incontinence, and traumatic epididymitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents, as well as his claim for an increased rating for PTSD and cognitive disorder. The appeals are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease has been rated at 30 percent since prior to November 23, 2011. The appeal is granted for this rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head trauma and PTSD have been successfully reopened, and both conditions are now considered well-grounded. The remaining issues related to the lumbar spine, neurological condition, right knee, thoracic rib area, hip conditions, hearing loss, heart condition/murmur, and high blood pressure remain denied.

The Board has granted service connection for nasal obstruction and chronic sinusitis. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease (cardiovascular), and hypertension are remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including kidney cancer, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and arthritis of multiple joints. The claims are being reviewed to determine if there is evidence of exposure to herbicide agents or other contaminants during service in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding total disability rating based on unemployability, a higher rating for PTSD, and a higher rating for IHD. The Board dismissed these issues as the appeal has been withdrawn.