Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type 2 and coronary artery disease were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his heart disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), subdural hematoma, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2 and ischemic heart disease are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also remanded the claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and lower extremities and erectile dysfunction as secondary to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of herbicide exposure in Vietnam or Okinawa.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for coronary artery disease and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s heart condition did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 30 percent, and his service-connected disabilities were not sufficient to warrant a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and service, specifically his presumed in-service herbicide exposure. The VA must provide a new medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for SMC purposes.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for hypertension, residuals of stroke, and coronary artery disease are inextricably intertwined due to the relationship between hypertension and coronary artery disease. The Veteran's claims will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a heart disability, and breast cancer due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding whether the bilateral aneurysms of the common iliac arteries are manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected CAD, as well as obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, right knee disability, hypertension, and skin disability due to herbicide exposure. The claims are being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and providing a medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The conditions are presumed to be caused by exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has found a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development regarding whether the Veteran was within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of Vietnam during his period of active service, as this could affect heart condition claims due to presumed exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's VA Form 9 was timely filed within 60 days of the attorney's actual receipt of the July 2015 Statements of the Case, and his appeal is reinstated. The underlying claims for both July 2015 SOCs are now considered.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of increased ratings and TDIU due to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's rheumatic heart disease is currently rated at 30 percent since July 3, 2012. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted as the condition does not meet criteria for a separate compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and soft-tissue sarcoma due to in-service herbicide exposure, as it is unclear if he was exposed to these agents during his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including hyperlipidemia, heart disability, diverticulitis, skin disability, skin cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and GERD are remanded due to the need for further development regarding exposure to herbicide agents and/or chemicals in service.