Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, bilateral leg disability, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, and coronary artery disease (CAD).,There is no evidence showing a chronic condition in service or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's 60% rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is restored as of August 1, 2021. The reduction was improper due to insufficient evidence of actual improvement in the condition.

The Veteran's 60% rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is restored as of August 1, 2021. The reduction was improper due to insufficient evidence of actual improvement in the condition.

The Board has denied service connection for heart disease and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for heart disease and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 100 percent as of January 22, 2013. The Board denied an earlier effective date for DEA benefits because there was no total and permanent service-connected disability prior to this rating.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 5, 2020 for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected heart condition and PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is remanded due to new evidence submitted, and a VA examination is required given the PACT Act.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating.,Service connection for CAD was denied as there is no credible evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate were granted. The Board has dismissed these issues as there is no longer any specific error of fact or law to address.

The Veteran's 60% rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is restored as of August 1, 2021. The reduction was improper due to insufficient evidence of actual improvement in the condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo is denied as he does not have this condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depression disorder, anxiety disorder, insomnia) is denied. The Veteran submitted opinions from private doctors stating that he has these conditions, but the Board finds their opinions outweighed by other medical evidence of record and insufficient to establish a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and his STRs do not show any relevant symptoms. The VA examiner found that his diagnosed hearing loss is less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for a back disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right lower extremity nerve disorder, and left lower extremity nerve disorder are denied as the Veteran's STRs do not show any relevant symptoms. The VA examiner found that his diagnosed conditions are less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for a heart disorder (atrial fibrillation, bradycardia) is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and the VA examiners found that his atrial fibrillation is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity edema (right and left) is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and the VA examiners found that his diagnosed conditions are less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is denied. The Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service and the VA examiner found that his bradycardia is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction prior to August 10, 2022 is denied. There is no in-service noise exposure documented and the Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for colon cancer and a heart disability due to inadequate medical opinions. Further evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded both issues for further development and examination. The atypical chest pain issue requires a new VA examination to address the inconsistency in previous opinions regarding its relationship to service-connected CAD, as well as whether it is related to PTSD. The CAD issue requires an examination to determine if it was caused or aggravated by service, specifically addressing an August 1968 medical report.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence supporting exposure to herbicide agents or other toxic contaminants during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's ischemic heart disease is related to his service, including any herbicide exposure. Additional development is needed.

The Veteran's cause of death was heart disease, which is presumed service-connected due to Agent Orange exposure. However, the VA cannot confirm the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his service at Charleston Air Force Base. The Board has ordered a new investigation by the Military Records Research Center (MRRC) for the period from May 21, 1972 to August 2, 1977.