Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's death was caused by cardio-respiratory arrest due to COPD, tobacco disorder, and coronary artery disease. The VA medical opinions concluded that none of the service-connected disabilities or any other condition contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death.

The Veteran's diabetes, renal failure, diabetic retinopathy, and related complications are service connected. His bipolar disorder is also service connected as secondary to his diabetes. Service connection for prostate cancer cannot be established due to lack of evidence of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been incurred as a result of herbicide exposure during active service. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating. The Board finds that an evaluation in excess of 30 percent is not warranted as the evidence does not show symptoms warranting such a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to process matters and the need for additional review of VA records. The case will be reviewed again by the RO, and any new evidence will be considered.

The Board has determined that the unauthorized non-VA medical expenses incurred by the Veteran on September 9, 2011 and September 26, 2011 are covered under VA's regulations for reimbursement of emergency treatment. The nosebleeds were associated with his service-connected heart disability.

For the period from May 27, 2009, through May 2, 2011, the Veteran's service-connected CAD did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his inability to dress or undress himself, take care of hygiene needs, prepare meals, manage medications, and attend to personal needs. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's heart disability has been manifested by findings that include MET values greater than 5 METs with symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue, and left ventricular ejection fractions greater than 50 percent. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus type II are not service-connected, but coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred during his military service.,PTSD has resulted in current disability that warrants a rating of 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for both coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II, based on the presumption of exposure to herbicides during active military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. However, the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam or have any documented exposure to herbicide agents such as Agent Orange during his military service. The weight of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 5, 2010, for a 100% evaluation for hypertensive cardiovascular disease with coronary artery disease is denied as the most recent claim was received on that date and previous rating decisions are final.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and TDIU was granted, with the effective date set at August 31, 2010. The Board notes that a VA examination is needed to address the current severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with ischemic heart disease and served in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era, qualifying for presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease (including coronary artery disease), and hypertension. The decision found that there was no evidence of actual exposure to Agent Orange during service or a compensable onset within one year post-service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred during his private hospitalization from October 5, 2010, through October 8, 2010 are being remanded for further development to determine if payment or reimbursement can be made beyond the point of stabilization.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of mycoses fungoides was denied as there is no evidence of a prior claim or entitlement to benefits before November 4, 2010.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected Crohn's disease, heart disorder, and right ankle sprains. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to TDIU prior to June 26, 2010, and SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) prior to June 11, 2012.