Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2024

The Veteran's cause of death (Glioblastoma Multiforme, CAD, lung cancer, diabetes mellitus) was not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's heart disorder manifested by tachycardia and GERD are granted service connection. The esophageal disorder, herpes simplex, inguinal hernia, rhinitis, and pes planus claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, a heart disability, kidney disease, and a bilateral eye disability due to insufficient opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes due to evidence indicating a possible link between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities, obesity, and medications.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) as a Nehmer class member due to insufficient evidence of IHD during the Veteran's lifetime.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was not related to service or any service-connected conditions, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension as claimed by the Veteran. The claims were based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory and heart disabilities due to insufficient development of his in-service exposure contentions, including potential toxic exposures at El Toro Marine Core Air Station (MCAS).

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, and left shoulder degenerative joint disease based on exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Thailand. The decision is based on the presumption of exposure due to service in Vietnam-era Thailand.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-attendance of a VA examination, and requires a new examination to determine if the Veteran's heart disorder is related to service or aggravated by his back condition.

The Veteran's Ischemic Heart Disease is rated at 60 percent from June 13, 2011 to November 17, 2020. Prior to September 26, 2016, the Board granted entitlement to Total Disability Evaluation Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's death was due to lung cancer, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. The Board found no evidence of service connection for these conditions and concluded that the appellant did not provide sufficient evidence of exposure to radiation or other harmful substances during service.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease, left knee disability (limitation of extension), and right knee disability status post replacement are all remanded for further evaluation. Additionally, the Veteran is seeking SMC based on need for aid and attendance or loss of use of extremities.

The Board has denied service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for leukemia, coronary artery disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder prior to August 10, 2022, due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand. The PACT Act expanded the geographic areas where such exposure is presumed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and new theories of service connection. The Veteran's heart disability, including mitral valve prolapse and atrial fibrillation, is being evaluated again for its relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of CAD and TDIU is being remanded due to concerns about the competence of the VA examiner who conducted the October 2023 examination, and because the Veteran did not provide information needed to substantiate his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that the medical opinions are inadequate and requiring further development to address obesity as an intermediate step between PTSD and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be caused by his exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and cerebral infarction due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions, particularly in light of his conceded exposure to herbicide agents. The issues are intertwined as the heart condition is necessary to determine the cause of the cerebral infarction.