Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and transient ischemic attack due to exposure to herbicides or secondary to service-connected disabilities are remanded. The AOJ must verify the Veteran’s alleged in-service herbicide exposure and schedule VA examinations if necessary.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at RTAFB Takhli in Thailand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee disorder, bilateral pes planus, schizophrenia, periorbital eye disorder, abnormal heart disorder, and defective vision. The decision found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service aboard the USS Enterprise.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and a pulmonary condition (chronic bronchitis) secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities required the need for aid and attendance of another person, effective May 4, 2010. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to SMC based on his service-connected coronary artery disease, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure, but remanded for further development regarding whether the Veteran served in the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam during his service on ships.

The Veteran's retroactive benefits for ischemic heart disease and TDIU granted in August 2011 are correct, and he has received the full amounts due.

The Veteran's increased evaluations for his back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and heart disability have been denied.,Service connection for tinnitus has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and asbestos. The Veteran is also required to provide any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to herbicide agent exposure, as there is new evidence added to the record and a request must be made to verify the Veteran's reported exposure near the Korean DMZ.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is also denied due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left leg varicose veins, atrial fibrillation (heart disease), and seizures due to insufficient medical evidence on file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for urinary frequency, bilateral foot condition, residuals of left inguinal hernia repair, and heart condition due to inadequate examination reports. The cases are now in a posture such that they may be addressed on their merits.

The Board denied service connection for paranoid schizophrenia, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran did not have a diagnosis of these conditions during the appeal period, and there was no evidence of herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease, and the Board has dismissed the case.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if his heart condition is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran served within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam, which is required for presumptive service connection under VA regulations. The case will be further investigated.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart disability due to potential exposure to herbicide agents while serving aboard the USS Agerholm in Vietnam. The Veteran's service records indicate he was in the territorial waters of Vietnam, which may establish presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, COPD, back disorder, heart disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are being remanded for further development.,VA treatment records from January 2018 need to be obtained.