Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for heart disease secondary to the Veteran's schizo affective type schizophrenic reaction (PTSD), but further development is needed due to the complexity of determining the extent of aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for median neuropathy of the left wrist is denied as there is no credible evidence linking his current condition to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. His malaria claim is denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The Veteran's heart disease, claimed as related to exposure to ionizing radiation during service, is not granted.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor did any service-connected disability cause or substantially contribute to his death.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease with bypass grafting results in left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 50 percent and METs in the range of 5 to 7. He is now rated at 60 percent for this condition beginning April 21, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran's cardiac residuals of rheumatic fever were aggravated by military service and led to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his ischemic cardiomyopathy is presumed to be a result of exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service connection claim for ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction and severe coronary artery disease with bypass surgery, is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's authorized representative prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that further development is needed to clarify the relationship between these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's heart disorder is presumed to be a result of exposure to herbicides, and grants service connection for ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and related conditions are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The acquired psychiatric disability is linked to the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's CAD was rated at 60 percent prior to February 1, 2007 and at 30 percent since then. The Board found no basis for a higher rating during any period of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and to consider whether a new hearing is needed. The Veteran's claims of service connection for mid-back contusion residuals, coronary artery disease (claimed as secondary to pericarditis), and chronic respiratory disability (COPD) are currently on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: an effective date for a 60 percent disability rating for heart disease and a TDIU. Both claims are currently pending, but the Board has not yet made a decision on them.

The Veteran died of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides during service. The Board grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by hypertension and dyslipidemia, which were incurred during his active service. As a result, the cause of death is now considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and an initial, compensable rating for mitral regurgitation due to incomplete examination reports and outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD but denied increased ratings for coronary artery disease. The effective date of the grant of service connection remains February 12, 2002.