Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD/depression), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is found to be directly related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerotic heart disease, which is presumed to be related to his service due to herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the cause of death is presumptively related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a video conference hearing, as the Veteran requested one but no such hearing was scheduled. The claims related to diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are being reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 21, 2009 were denied as there was no pending claim or petition to reopen the claims before that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service or a service-connected disability. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for PTSD, an earlier effective date for CAD, and additional months for a temporary total evaluation based on hospital treatment have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's rheumatic heart disease with aortic valve replacement has been manifested by stable symptoms and no significant cardiac complications, warranting a current rating of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to a lack of service treatment records from the Veteran's October 1990 to April 1991 period of active service, including his deployment in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death was coronary artery disease, ischemic cardiomyopathy, severe peripheral vascular disease, and chronic renal failure. These conditions were not caused by any incident of service, including probable asbestos exposure in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied by the Board due to lack of a link between his active duty and the development of the condition. The case is now remanded for further review based on potential exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and arteriosclerotic heart disease were not found to be related to his active duty service. The Board also determined that he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving at Korat and U-Tapao air force bases in Thailand, which is sufficient evidence for service connection of his heart disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and denied the remaining claims. Diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to in-service herbicide exposure, while the other conditions are not supported by evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and conducting a medical opinion regarding whether any service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to develop the record and provide a VA medical opinion regarding whether ischemic heart disease was present prior to June 2, 2011.

The Veteran is granted TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, with a combined disability rating of 80 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a heart disability due to service, as his syncopal episode and chest pain during ACDUTRA were attributed to heat-related causes rather than a heart condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected coronary artery disease and/or tinnitus for the period from January 24, 2008, to March 9, 2010.