Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's ischemic heart disease, but denied service connection for bilateral carotid artery stenosis. The case is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral carotid artery stenosis is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents or environmental toxins.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, claimed as due to herbicide agent exposure (presumptive under the PACT Act), is granted. The decision is based on new evidence that reopened his original claim.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure during active duty in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and SMC for loss of use of the right foot are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of 70% for PTSD and 30% for IHD, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have herbicide exposure in service, and therefore cannot establish a presumption of service connection for ischemic heart disease. The evidence does not support finding direct service connection either.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disorder, hyponatremia as secondary to a heart disorder, TDIU rating, and SMC based on aid and attendance due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type 2, both potentially related to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Okinawa, Japan. The VA is required to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure and provide opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's death was caused by a disorder presumptively related to service, specifically due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents while stationed near the air base perimeter of Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand during his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, ankle, heel, and peripheral neuropathy conditions have been denied. The claim for heart disorder has been granted under presumptive exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's migraines, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that his PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to his death and that there was no evidence linking his PTSD to his heart conditions.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, and hypertension are granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension on a direct basis is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, but has remanded the heart disability claim due to a lack of a nexus opinion addressing potential herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and prostate cancer are granted due to the PACT Act, which expanded the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents. The diseases are presumed related to in-service exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam is sufficient to establish presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for diabetic nephropathy, an earlier effective date prior to May 12, 2017 for the grant of service connection for diabetic nephropathy, and SMC based on housebound status or need for regular aid and attendance have all been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease (CAD) is rated at 60 percent from July 8, 2014 to May 16, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating was granted, and TDIU was granted effective July 8, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA medical examination, and will need a new opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder.