Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include a depressive disorder secondary to other conditions and multiple physical impairments related to diabetes and Agent Orange exposure, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment since at least November 16, 2012. The Board has granted TDIU from that date. However, the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to November 16, 2012 is remanded due to evidence suggesting he may be unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran was granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), urinary disorder (hematuria), and skin disease (eczema) due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his active duty service.,Service connection is established on a presumptive basis as the diseases are listed in 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e).

The Board has determined that a VA opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected residuals of thrombophlebitis of the left leg contributed substantially or materially to his death, and whether it was proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the eligibility requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 because he was not service-connected for any disabilities during his lifetime and did not have a continuous period of at least one year prior to death with a total disability rating.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for ischemic heart disease was denied as there is no evidence of a workload of greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining National Guard service treatment and personnel records, verifying duty status, and determining if the Veteran was exposed to asbestos during his National Guard service. If exposure is confirmed, a VA clinician will be asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the cause of death (cardiac exhaustion due to complications of COPD, asbestosis, and coronary artery disease) was caused by exposure to asbestos.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, Bell's palsy, and residuals of a stroke as the evidence did not show a direct link to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease are remanded due to the need for additional information regarding his exposure to herbicides during service. The U.S.S. Davidson is believed to have been in the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam, which could affect presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in disability more nearly approximating occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and impaired impulse control. An initial rating of 70 percent since June 11, 2014 for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease, claimed as secondary to exposure to herbicide agents. The evidence did not establish herbicide exposure and the Board found no direct or presumptive service connection.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents and his heart disease. Further development is needed, including obtaining military personnel records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a left arm disability, low back disability, and heart disability (claimed as chest pain) secondary to her service-connected neuro-cardiogenic syndrome due to outstanding private and VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to radiation during active duty in Germany and obtain private treatment records.

The Veteran's heart condition, diagnosed as coronary artery disease (CAD), was not shown to have manifested during service or within one year after separation. The Board found no causal relationship between the heart condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation due to issues with increased ratings for PTSD and CAD. No specific effective date was provided.

Service connection for hypertension is granted, and a 20 percent rating is assigned. The left eye third cranial nerve palsy is rated at 0 percent effective since April 2015. Multiple coronary artery bypass scars are rated at 20 percent due to pain and instability. Effective from August 31, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent.