Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia, residuals of cold injuries to the hands and feet, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and residuals of a left sided stroke. The Board found that there was no evidence of current disabilities or residuals from inservice conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) is remanded as the record is unclear on whether the Veteran has this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and evaluation due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and burial benefits due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives. The claim will be further developed, including obtaining an etiological opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his death.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of ischemic heart disease (IHD) has been granted. The Board found new and material evidence that could relate to a previously unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,Service connection for Parkinson’s disease is denied as there is no evidence indicating it was caused or aggravated by service-connected DMII associated with herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's treatment at SSVMC for pneumonia was not related to any service-connected disability or one that aggravated a service-connected condition, so payment or reimbursement is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a heart disability, attributing it to herbicide exposure during his military service in Vietnam. The VA examiner found no evidence linking the current heart condition to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis, a cardiac condition associated with sarcoidosis, a skin condition associated with sarcoidosis and the Veteran’s Persian Gulf War service, and a disability manifested by right hand tremors associated with sarcoidosis and the Veteran’s Persian Gulf War service. The conditions are considered to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's CAD is currently rated at 60 percent, effective September 5, 2019. The Board has remanded the case for further development to address his TDIU claim and obtain updated VA and/or private treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is granted service connection. The claims for coronary artery disease and major depressive disorder are remanded due to lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA examinations and a combined effects opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed coronary artery disease with angioplasty and stenting, due to exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. The decision is based on a presumption of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower right and left extremities due to herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, bowel obstruction, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. None of these conditions are service-connected or related to his time in service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, respiratory disorder (COPD and emphysema), erectile dysfunction, memory loss, and heart disease. The evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type 2, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities are remanded due to a duty to assist error.