Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service, and whether his unit conducted short deployments into Vietnam or Thailand. The case is being remanded for further investigation.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, ischemic heart disease, and diabetic neuropathy due to the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. Service connection is denied for an eye disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's heart conditions are categorized as ischemic heart disease, which is presumptively associated with herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including skin disability (claimed as jungle rot), back disability, COPD, left and right ankle disabilities, frostbite disability, heart disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA is directed to obtain relevant medical records and provide the Veteran with notice regarding PTSD claims based on personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and a heart disability were denied as they are not related to service or the one-year presumptive period. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure at Camp Pendleton.

The Board has granted a total rating for heart disease effective July 19, 2017. However, the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 60 percent for heart disease prior to that date is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for a heart condition and VA treatment-related issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease as a result of exposure to herbicide agents are granted. The claim for residuals of bilateral toenail removal is reopened and the issue is remanded for further examination. Service connection for tooth #9 dental disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA opinion on whether the Veteran's hypertension was related to his in-service high blood pressure readings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, prostate cancer and CAD (claimed as secondary to herbicide agent exposure), a sleep disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) due to PTSD is granted, and he receives a separate rating of 30 percent for homonymous hemianopsia with right gaze palsy. His PTSD claim also results in a 50 percent rating. The stroke issue remains on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including back pain, scoliosis, cervical spine arthritis, left arm lateral epicondylitis, knee bursitis, leg and hip conditions, restless leg syndrome, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, dizziness, foot arthritis, bunions, osteoporosis, hypertension, heart condition, insomnia, sleep apnea, myofascial pain syndrome, eye pain/dryness, gynecological condition (uterine cysts/fibroids), breast cancer, depression secondary to breast cancer, jaw/teeth pain, and PTSD. The Board found no evidence of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Veteran served aboard ships within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam, but specific records are needed to determine if he was exposed.

The appeal of a March 2017 rating decision that denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for coronary artery disease with a fistula is remanded.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for coronary artery disease from July 23, 2003 to August 30, 2010 is denied as the evidence does not show chronic congestive heart failure or a workload of 3 METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. The Veteran's initial increased rating for coronary artery disease from August 31, 2010 to February 26, 2015 is also denied as the evidence does not show left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

The Veteran's death was related to service, specifically an in-service motor vehicle accident that caused a head injury and lacerations. The Board is remanding the case for further development regarding whether the USS Pine Island operated within Vietnam's territorial sea during the Veteran's service aboard the ship.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity neuropathy and left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, result in a loss of use of both lower extremities that precludes locomotion without the aid of an assistive device such as a walker, cane, or wheelchair. As a result, he is eligible for financial assistance for specially adapted housing.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential herbicide agent exposure during service. The Veteran served aboard USS Midway and asserts he was exposed to herbicides while stationed in Da Nang.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and bilateral knee conditions, but has remanded the cases of respiratory and heart disorders due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for a psychiatric disorder is denied. The heart condition issue is remanded due to lack of medical evidence.