Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his contentions regarding hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and trigger finger repair of the right thumb are granted based on presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam-era service.

The Veteran's death was caused by respiratory failure due to COPD and CHF, with his service-connected DM II and CAD contributing substantially to his condition. However, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he had not been continuously rated totally disabled for at least ten years prior to death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the 1980s and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed coronary artery disease. The new and material evidence issue is also on hold pending issuance of an SOC.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from March 24, 2010 to March 29, 2010 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas are denied as he is not service-connected for any disability and Medicare Part A coverage precludes VA reimbursement.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, including as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam is presumed, and his diabetes mellitus type II is found to be related to this exposure. Service connection is granted for PTSD with a 30% evaluation.

Service connection has been granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and unclear address of the Veteran. The claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis and heart disorder will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted a compensable rating (10%) for residuals of multiple rib fractures. The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, eye disability, right total hip replacement, and heart disability are dismissed.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a heart disorder, diabetes mellitus, or lung disability due to disease or injury incurred in service. The presumptions for herbicide exposure and asbestos exposure do not apply as there is no evidence of actual exposure.

The Veteran's CAD, status post PTCA with stent placement, is rated at 60 percent from July 1, 2002 and has been granted a higher initial rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and likely etiology of hypertension and any diagnosed heart condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability, including mitral valve prolapse, old myocardial infarction, and coronary artery disease (CAD), was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran not perfecting his appeal within 60 days of issuance of the Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's coronary artery disease, and additional development regarding his in-service exposure to herbicides is required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to address his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other in-service injury that could lead to this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated income information and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.