Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70% rating, but not higher. The reduction from 100% to 30% for CAD is upheld. TDIU is granted for the period between March 1, 2014 and December 16, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease contributed to his death, which was caused by respiratory failure with pneumonia and cardiopulmonary arrest. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to November 26, 2018 and at 70 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease was initially rated at 30 percent in February 2012 and increased to 70 percent after November 26, 2018.

The Board has remanded the cases due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's ship, USS Ticonderoga, was within 12 nautical miles of Vietnam while he served aboard. The decision does not address service connection based on exposure to specific hazards.

The Veteran's bilateral foot plantar warts with contact dermatitis are rated as noncompensable due to the lack of more than topical therapy affecting at least 5% of the entire body or exposed areas.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension and ischemic heart disease (previously heart condition).

The Veteran's claims for an initial rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability and service connection for hypertension, heart condition, skin condition, ear cellulitis (resolved), and otitis externa are being remanded due to the need for additional development of her VA medical records and clarification of her periods of active duty.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded as there is a lack of an adequate examination report. The examiner did not consider the Veteran’s assertion that her hypertension was caused by stress during active duty, nor did they provide an opinion on whether her hypertension aggravated preexisting conditions during periods of active duty.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition is being remanded as there is a lack of an adequate examination report. The examiner did not diagnose the Veteran with a heart condition and provided a negative nexus opinion based solely on the absence of a current diagnosis, without considering her symptoms or other evidence in the record.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin condition is being remanded as there are multiple inadequate examination reports. The September 2013 examiner did not diagnose any skin condition and indicated that no pathology was found during physical examinations, while the December 2015 and December 2017 examiners diagnosed intradermal nevi but failed to provide etiology opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for ear cellulitis (resolved) is being remanded as there are multiple inadequate examination reports. The September 2013 examiner did not diagnose any ear condition and indicated that the external ear, ear canal, and tympanic membrane were normal, while the December 2015 and December 2017 examiners diagnosed a history of external ear canal cellulitis but failed to provide etiology opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for otitis externa is being remanded as there are multiple inadequate examination reports. The September 2013 examiner did not diagnose any ear condition and indicated that the external ear, ear canal, and tympanic membrane were normal, while the December 2015 and December 2017 examiners diagnosed a history of external ear canal cellulitis but failed to provide etiology opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for an unspecified depressive disorder, but has remanded the cases of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II due to lack of evidence regarding exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes, both claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during his active duty.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot adjudicate the merits of this appeal as they have no jurisdiction.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in service and thus no presumption applies. The Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further investigation regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents while serving on the USS Niagara Falls and whether he can be presumed exposed based on his service dates.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from February 1986 to March 1986 and since July 2013. The claim was granted with a 30 percent rating from May 1987 to July 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that there was no evidence to show exposure to herbicide agents during his tour of duty in Korea and no competent medical opinion linking the condition to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia due to new evidence indicating possible exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension due to a lack of evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The case is returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents while serving aboard the USS America. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his cardiac disability, which he claims is related to this exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and substance abuse disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders. The heart disorder and IBS claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar and lower extremity conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in determining whether the Veteran served within the Republic of Vietnam, which could affect his eligibility for presumptive service connection under the Agent Orange Act. The appellant must provide additional information about the ship's movements and geographical location.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further medical opinion regarding the cause of death.