The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure is granted. The Board finds the evidence in equipoise regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his active duty service, thus granting presumptive service connection.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's statements of his duties as an aircraft mechanic and participation in a helicopter evacuation mission are consistent with his service record and VA conceded his exposure to Agent Orange. The Board finds the evidence supports the presumption of herbicide exposure leading to service connection for ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic heart disease, Coronary artery disease
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 27, 2019
- Citation
- 19189931
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 19189931.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, asthma/lung disease, vision disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, leukocytosis, kidney disease/kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of ischemic heart disease and diabetes, and these claims are dismissed.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's coronary artery disease for all periods on appeal.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.