Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The claims for low back disability and CAD are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for diabetes, and service connection for heart condition were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to an increased rating.

The Veteran's heart disorder is not related to service, including herbicide exposure.,Right toe amputation and PVD of the right leg are not related to service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection for PVD of the right leg cannot be established based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because he does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand at U-Tapao Air Base, and therefore, service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II is granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of November 1, 2007. The Board granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for a heart disorder, left knee disorders, and right knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disorder and right knee disorder, as well as the claim for an increased rating for hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's heart disorder, including CAD, and diabetes mellitus are granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. High cholesterol is not a compensable condition. Service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, effective from the date of his death. The issue of entitlement to SMC on account of being housebound is considered moot due to the grant of the greater benefit.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his peripheral neuropathy, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and ischemic heart disease. The issues are related to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims. The Board affirmed the denial of these claims in multiple decisions.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disability, as there is conflicting diagnostic information in the records. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of an abnormal heart, shortness of breath, and heart disease/heart condition due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's IHD is rated at 60 percent prior to April 23, 2019.,The Veteran is granted TDIU based on service-connected IHD prior to April 23, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus is found to have caused his coronary artery disease, and the claim for secondary service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests for additional records. The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed, along with his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination in connection with the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim for heart disease has been granted, and he is now receiving a 100% rating since May 11, 2016. However, the Veteran contends that the effective date should be prior to May 11, 2016.