Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied, and his claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability due to Agent Orange exposure was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate any regulation of activities required for a higher evaluation for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred during his active service in the Republic of Vietnam, and he was granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity venous thrombophlebitis, high cholesterol, hernia, edema, heart disability (presumably referring to heart disease), and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for psychiatric disability, claimed as depression and PTSD, due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and active service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and to ensure proper notice under applicable regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disability is denied as the evidence does not support a link between his current condition and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease was incurred during his second period of active service. The hypertension claim is remanded for further clarification regarding whether it worsened during service.

The Veteran's heart disease is currently rated at 60 percent, effective January 15, 2003. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease, both of which are presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also granted as secondary to the service-connected conditions. Service connection for hypertension remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ASCAD) associated with diabetes mellitus, type II from June 1, 2007, was denied. His TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was anoxic encephalopathy secondary to cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction and failure, acute renal failure needing dialysis, and respiratory failure needing ventilator support. The appellant asserts that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his heart disease, which led to his death. The Board finds that VA records may contain relevant information and requests for such records be made. Additionally, a medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran had an ischemic heart condition before his death and whether it was related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atherosclerotic heart disease is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board affirmed the RO's denial of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran seeks service connection for heart disease and a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or home adaptations. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded due to unclear reasons and potential issues with VA facilities' capacity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's heart disability is not service connected, but his psychiatric disability (depression) may be secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, heart disorder, and right knee internal derangement were denied. The claim for an effective date earlier than December 17, 2005 for PTSD was also denied as there is no legal basis to grant such a date. Service connection for the remaining conditions was not granted due to lack of evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, both presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, are granted. The claim for hypertension is denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to service. The cause of death claim is also denied due to lack of evidence connecting the Veteran's death to any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to ischemic heart disease, hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure and diabetes. However, there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.