Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has received a request to withdraw the appeal regarding the reopening of service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease status post stent placement was denied as there is no evidence of a prior claim filed before March 25, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his hypertension and hypertensive cardiovascular heart disease. A TDIU claim is also on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially and materially to his death from heart disease, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, heart condition (bifasicular block), and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia were not incurred or aggravated during his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA). However, the Veteran's hypertension was found to be related to service due to its onset in National Guard service. The heart condition and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia were determined to have a direct relationship with his service.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his hypertension, as well as evaluating the status of his service-connected disabilities. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claims for service connection, including verification of exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins during active duty.

The Board has determined that the October 15, 2009, denial of eligibility for a fee basis medical identification card was improper and restored the Veteran's entitlement to such.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ischemic heart disease have been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service provides presumptive service connection.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability and bilateral foot disability, finding no evidence of these conditions in service or a link to service. The remaining issues on appeal are not addressed as they have been withdrawn.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder, including hypertension, as secondary to the service-connected residuals of an umbilical hernia repair. The Veteran's current heart disorder is not considered service connected.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations or service connection.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for seborrheic dermatitis or heart disease, as the conditions are not shown to have had their onset during service and there is insufficient medical evidence linking them to service. The Veteran's assertions were considered but deemed unsupported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure and issuance of a statement of the case on all issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's heart disability is being evaluated to determine if it was caused by exposure to paint fumes and dust during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to need for additional development, including verification of service dates and clarification on the nature and etiology of the appellant's hearing loss and right shoulder disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, which are service-connected. The posttraumatic stress disorder is also service-connected and contributed to his cause of death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that the earliest possible effective date was October 31, 2005.