Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are granted as service-connected due to in-service herbicide exposure. The Board also found that the Veteran’s obesity is not a compensable disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of heart disease (claimed as coronary artery disease) in November 2020, and the Board dismissed the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the heart disorder of CAD and diabetes mellitus, type II on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for hypertension is remanded as it was not established by presumption.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities because of uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran was notified of his scheduled VA examination.

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including obtaining an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder. The cause of death claim and the DIC claim are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to October 4, 2016 was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,For the period from October 4, 2016 onwards, the Veteran's CAD symptoms were rated at 30 percent. However, the Board found that this rating is also not appropriate and remanded the case to determine if a higher rating could be assigned.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims of hypertension and heart condition due to herbicide exposure. The decision on these issues is pending further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU with an effective date of April 10, 1999. From January 26, 2009 onwards, he is also entitled to SMC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 21, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his service-connected conditions and his death from esophageal cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to arteriosclerosis, which was found to have started during active service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, skin disorder, and fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue due to a lack of STRs from Fort McClellan.

The Veteran's cause of death is granted as his coronary artery disease, presumed related to service exposure to toxic herbicides, contributed substantially to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records and providing clarifying opinions on the Veteran's diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, COPD, and hardened arteries due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's service records do not show a diagnosis or treatment for these conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment. The case will be referred for extraschedular consideration prior to February 21, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease as a result of exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange. The Board found no evidence of exposure in Vietnam or Germany that would support presumptive service connection.