Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft is remanded due to the need for clarification on when he underwent heart surgery at the Oakland Naval Hospital. The examiner must provide opinions regarding whether his current condition is related to in-service events or a high-fat diet during service.

The Veteran's service-connected CAD has been rated at 60 percent effective May 30, 2019. He is also granted TDIU effective the same date.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and a kidney disorder, finding that the Veteran's CAD did not manifest in service or within one year of separation from active service and is not caused by his active service. The kidney disorder was also found to have no relation to service.,Service connection for both conditions was denied based on lack of evidence showing their onset during service or a direct link to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the appellant's service-connected ischemic heart disease, his claimed nerve problems in neck causing pain in right arm (secondary to ischemic heart disease), and any potential compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for nerve problems caused by VA treatment.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is granted based on in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and evaluations due to the worsening of his bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke (claimed as ischemic heart disease) are also pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and lung cancer due to service connection issues. The cause of death claim is also being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disability manifested by nervousness and depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, chest pain, a heart disability, hypertension, and headaches. The preponderance of the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that he needed assistance with all activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's ischemic heart disease was a contributory cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The issues of service connection for facial cancer, tremors, a heart attack, and hypertension are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease due to herbicide agent exposure. Additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service aboard the USS Scamp.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and glaucoma, have led to a need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance after August 31, 2011.

The appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus is dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is characterized as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Service connection for PTSD is granted.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for an adjustment disorder is granted.,The appeals pertaining to service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension are remanded due to the Veteran's current symptoms being related to his military service.,The appeal for service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded as it is linked to multiple conditions, including kidney cancer.

The Veteran's heart disease has been rated at 60 percent since November 2, 2010. The effective date for this rating is December 6, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart condition due to herbicide exposure, as they are presumed based on Vietnam Service. Additional development is needed to verify if the USS Coral Sea was within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam during the Veteran's service.

The Board has remanded the claims for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to incomplete assessments and potential interconnections between conditions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the other issues related to chest injury residuals, bilateral hearing loss, right leg disability, heart disability, and unspecified arthritis are remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further development.

The Veteran's heart disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Vista Imaging records. The Veteran will need to provide the names and addresses of all medical care providers who have recently treated him for his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of ischemic heart disease, liver cancer, psychiatric disorders (including anxiety and depression), and hearing loss have been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to schedule a new VA examination for hearing loss.