Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, heart disability (stent placement), lumbar degenerative disc disease, and traumatic brain injury residuals are being remanded due to new evidence suggesting potential exposure to herbicides during service. The Board will determine if this exposure qualifies him for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral vascular disease were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran served in the Republic of Vietnam during his service aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and to verify herbicide agent exposure based on qualifying service in the country of Vietnam.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating issues due to inadequate substantive appeals.

The Veteran's CAD is rated at 60 percent, which is the maximum rating available under current criteria.,DM2 was initially granted service connection with a 10% rating effective September 26, 2012. The Veteran's DM2 has required medication to control it and requires an oral hypoglycemic agent in addition to a restricted diet since February 7, 2013.

The Board has granted TDIU effective January 12, 2009. The claim for service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease and residuals of lung cancer due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides during service. The Veteran must provide additional information about his alleged exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in describing the examiner and not providing discussion on whether a METs test was medically contraindicated.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease and ocular hypertension as secondary to ischemic heart disease due to potential in-service exposure, but no specific evidence or basis is provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's cause of death is remanded for further investigation into the etiology of his coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The Board will seek additional information regarding potential exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's service connection for a respiratory disability is denied. The Veteran's coronary artery disease is granted an increased rating to 60 percent effective February 22, 2017. The Veteran's psychiatric disability (PTSD and depressive disorder) is granted an initial rating of 70 percent effective February 23, 2017.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and other service-connected conditions have been rated appropriately. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg muscle spasms, heart disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination addressing new evidence and current medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. The Board also found that the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to February 9, 2015, due to service-connected disabilities, should be remanded as it does not meet the schedular criteria but may potentially qualify for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and chronic myelogenous leukemia due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam. The VA will need to verify if the Veteran was present within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from January 23, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise on whether he required the regular aid and attendance of another person for his daily activities due to his service-connected conditions.