Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2022

The Veteran's skin disorder and heart disorder claims are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran needs a VA examination for his skin disorder claim, and all relevant treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to lose the use of both feet, qualifying him for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for ischemic heart disease are being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records and other relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for vertigo, TDIU, and Dependents' Educational Assistance were denied as there was no evidence of an increase in disability during the one year prior to his claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in representation and incomplete development of the Veteran's exposure to herbicides. The heart disability is being reviewed for service connection, with a focus on whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's heart disease and diabetes mellitus type II are granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as his requests for special monthly compensation for aid and attendance and at the housebound rate, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease or a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, thus the Board dismissed all issues related to service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's application for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) was remanded due to a lack of caregiver training and an inability to complete assessments within 90 days. The claim is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the VA Regional Office (RO) failing to address this issue in their April 20, 2022 rating decision.

The Veteran's skin disorder and heart disorder claims are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran needs a VA examination for his skin disorder claim, and all relevant treatment records must be obtained.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for acid reflux, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, residuals of left ankle fracture, and urinary incontinence secondary to a psychiatric disorder. The other claims remain denied as new evidence does not relate to these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease and coronary artery disease due to exposure to herbicide agents during active military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to a duty-to-assist error in not obtaining SSA records and an inadequate VA examination regarding chemical or environmental toxin exposure during service.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer, finding that the evidence does not support a link to service or any presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of June 1, 2015 for the grant of a TDIU and basic eligibility to DEA benefits. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of that date.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a back disability is dismissed. The Board also finds that additional development is required to correct a duty to assist error in the rating of ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and potential need for in-person examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his bilateral eye disability claim. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen these claims due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.