Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of rheumatic heart disease do not currently cause any residual disability, and his current heart conditions are unrelated to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's heart condition, diagnosed as coronary artery disease and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure during his active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining his complete service treatment records and scheduling appropriate VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, as secondary to PTSD. The evidence shows that his hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.,The Board has also granted service connection for coronary artery disease and stroke with right-sided weakness, both found to be caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred during active military service as a result of exposure to herbicides. The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including peripheral vascular disease and right leg amputation, on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation is 70 percent, and he does not meet the criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

For the period dated from March 14, 2008 to June 29, 2008, the Veteran's CAD was not manifested by chronic congestive heart failure; or workload of 3 METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.,For the period dated from June 30, 2008 to May 26, 2009, the Veteran's CAD was not manifested by more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; or workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.,For the period since May 27, 2009, the Veteran's CAD was not manifested by chronic congestive heart failure; or workload of 3 METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including a VA Compensation and Pension Examination to determine if there is a prostate disability related to service. The Veteran's request for a hearing at the RO or Central Office will be considered.

The Veteran's death was due to apnea caused by the administration of Etomidate for cardioversion. The Board found no evidence of carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill or error in judgment on the part of VA in providing medical treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder and ischemic heart disease are service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease, which manifested during service and caused his death, was incurred in service. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the validity and amount of the overpayment, including whether it was created due to administrative error. The Veteran is also required to submit a financial status report.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to herbicides during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's eligibility for service connection for PTSD and a heart condition, including consideration of secondary service connection due to PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder and lung disorder are not service connected, with no presumption of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and found that he meets the criteria for this condition. Service connection is also granted for ischemic cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease, which are presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The issue of hypertension is remanded as it may be secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining if any diagnosed condition is related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, bilateral knee disorder, abdominal disorder, and heart condition were denied. The Board found no evidence of current right knee disability or a relationship between the left knee disorder and service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension, both presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The effective date remains pending as the Veteran's notice of disagreement on this issue is still pending.