Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease was a contributory cause of his death from congestive heart failure, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims of exposure to herbicides or service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed based on exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the shoulder, hands, and elbows. The heart disability issue is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The kidney problems are also addressed as part of the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on the issues of service connection for heart disability, hypertension, and arthritis of the left hip. The Board finds that these appeals are dismissed.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Thailand and whether his death is related to service on a direct basis.

The Board granted service connection for hypertensive heart disease effective September 19, 2011. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is addressed separately.

The Veteran has ischemic heart disease that had its onset during active service and the Board finds this condition is related to his military service. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability, and therefore, denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has ordered the case back to the AOJ for additional development, including translation of Spanish language documents and consideration of new evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal disorder and heart disorder remain under review.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his combat service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds additional development necessary for the remaining issues as the Veteran reported worsening of these conditions since the last VA compensation examinations.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability appeal is dismissed. The claims of service connection for renal failure, non-specific monoclonal gammopathy, interstitial pneumonitis, and hypertension are reopened due to receipt of new and material evidence. Service connection for heart disease remains inextricably intertwined with the renal disease claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete paper copies of any Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination and associated medical records.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Baptist Medical Center Hospital from September 25 - 29, 2009 were denied as the emergency treatment was not considered to be of such nature that a prudent layperson could have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The appeal is related to presumptive exposure to herbicides, which may affect his diabetes claim.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease, status-post stent placement cannot be earlier than September 6, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected laceration of the right eyebrow with retained foreign body did not cause his death, but it is considered a contributory cause due to its potential long-term effects.