Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Board has granted the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease (IHD), diabetic nephropathy, and various types of neuropathy related to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran was presumed exposed to herbicide agents during his active duty in Thailand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment, as his conditions are not severe enough to warrant such benefits.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for diabetes mellitus type II, left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy were denied as there was no prior claim or denial concerning these benefits.,The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for coronary artery disease (CAD) was denied because the earliest claim received by VA was on February 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension due to a lack of medical records related to his treatment. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain these records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the possibility of worsening symptoms and the need for updated medical records, including private cardiologist treatment records.

Service connection for heart condition is dismissed.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) and neuroendocrine cancer are granted.,The cause of the Veteran's death, which was caused by neuroendocrine cancer, is also granted.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and denied service connection for gastroparesis as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied because he did not meet the qualifications for this benefit, as his service-connected coronary artery disease was not rated as totally disabling for a period of 10 years or more immediately preceding death. The cause of death issue is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The claims for service connection have been granted, and the Veteran is now entitled to benefits for her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for HTN, finding that it was not present in service or within a year of separation and is not related to his IHD. The Board also found no evidence of exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's heart condition, finding that there was no evidence showing a relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and sleep apnea as secondary to depressive disorder are granted service connection. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the knees, ankles, hips, and fingers, Hepatitis C, or a heart disability is denied.

Service connection for anxiety disorder NOS is granted.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is remanded due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for gastrointestinal problems, seizures, and heart disorders is remanded due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's claims.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for gastrointestinal problems, seizures, and heart disorders is remanded due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's claims.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for herniated discs in neck is remanded due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has denied service connection for coronary artery disease and remanded the claims of peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities due to a failure to review clarifying medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's transient ischemic attacks (mini strokes) are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The issue of an initial evaluation higher than 50 percent for PTSD and the claim for a respiratory condition secondary to Agent Orange are both remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and an inconsistent opinion regarding the Veteran's ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's cause of death, acute myocardial infarction with other significant conditions contributing to death, including diffuse atherosclerosis and extensive coronary artery disease, is attributed to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for dyslipidemia and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development.