Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2023

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and has determined that it is presumptively related to herbicide agent exposure during service. The Veteran's current diagnosis of CAD, along with his documented exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand, supports this decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, old myocardial infarction, and type II diabetes mellitus are granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during active service. The Board found the evidence approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents at Fort McClellan in Alabama.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for left hand tremors, right hand tremors, skin condition, COPD, and heart conditions. The rating for DM remains unchanged at 20 percent.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease is denied as his heart condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for ischemic heart disease was denied as his left ventricular ejection fraction is at least 61%, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and brain condition (microvascular ischemic disease) due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his military service in Korea.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with hypertension and early nephropathy is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his disability.,The Veteran's heart disability (claimed as cholesterol) and GI disability are remanded for VA examinations to determine their etiology and whether they are related to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's death was caused by stage 4 lung cancer, which is related to his military service. Service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection of a heart disability, increased rating for left ankle disability, and ratings in excess of existing ones for hypertension and back disability are denied.,The Veteran's claim for remand on the issue of increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and anxiety disorder have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since May 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including determining if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand prior to August 10, 2022.

The Board has reopened service connection for a lung disorder and remanded the remaining issues on appeals. Service connection is granted for DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, but coronary artery disease remains in dispute.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes, back disability, heart related disability, spot on lungs, and right upper extremity condition due to missing service records and further development is needed.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart condition as they were not shown to be related to the Veteran's active service. Service connection was also denied for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his substantive appeal was not timely filed, based on the presumption of regularity and lack of evidence to rebut it.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumptively associated with his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in the Vietnam War. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety and depression, respiratory disorder, and heart disability were denied as the evidence did not meet the regulatory requirements to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development, specifically not scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed heart condition. The Veteran was exposed to herbicides in service but no presumptive conditions are applicable.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus due to a lack of evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and the diseases were not shown to be related to service.