Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, lung disability (originally claimed as black spots on the lungs), cardiovascular disability (coronary artery disease) to include as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, and diabetes mellitus, type 2. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of herbicide agent exposure during service or a link between any diagnosed conditions and service.

The Board dismissed the claims for nonservice-connected death pension benefits and accrued benefits. The claim for dependency and indemnity compensation on the basis of the Veteran's cause of death is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for his stroke due to coronary artery disease is being remanded. The Board also needs to readjudicate the Veteran's special monthly compensation (SMC) claim.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The Appellant did not file a claim for DIC benefits within one year of the Veteran's death and remained married until August 2012, preventing her from receiving benefits as the surviving spouse. Therefore, an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities combine to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, resulting in a TDIU for the relevant periods.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent and total disability affecting locomotion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left trapezius muscle disability (myofascial pain syndrome) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal disabilities, including lumbar spine, right hip, left elbow, right elbow, left wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), and right wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) were remanded due to incomplete records. The VA duty to assist was triggered by the addition of relevant service treatment records.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is granted service connection, while his chloracne and skin cancer claims are denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to acute myocardial infarction and severe coronary artery disease, which were not related to his service-connected aortic stenosis. The Board found that the Veteran's service connected condition did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease as a result of herbicide agent exposure, and also granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The appeal was remanded for other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported exposure to chemicals during active duty, including herbicides. The appeals are pending and will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and TDIU was denied. The heart disability is currently rated at 60 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to lack of symptoms or LVEF below 30%. The Veteran also lacks sufficient additional disabilities to bring his combined rating to 70%.

The Veteran is granted TDIU from August 20, 2015 to February 7, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal for prior dates was denied.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death.

The Veteran's appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to service connection for a disorder manifested by blood in the urine has been dismissed. The right ankle sprain residuals are rated at 20 percent, and hypertension is granted with secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated at 60 percent, and the evidence does not show any manifestations that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the lack of clear evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides and possible toxic chemicals on Okinawa. The full text of relevant reports must be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions related to PTSD and herbicide exposure. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran is seeking TDIU, but this claim is dismissed as moot since he already receives a 100% disability rating for his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran requires aid and attendance solely because of his service-connected disabilities, as well as whether he is permanently housebound by reason of such disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, ischemic heart disease, and type II diabetes mellitus are all granted as service-connected.