The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his service in Thailand is presumed and that he meets the criteria for a 10% disability rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran served near the perimeter of RTAFB in Korat, Thailand, which places him at risk for herbicide exposure. His statements are considered competent evidence, and the Board assumes IHD manifested to at least a degree of 10%, establishing service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicides.
- Claimed conditions
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20003426
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for a heart disability, to include ischemic heart disease (IHD), due to an incomplete military personnel record and the need for further development of evidence related to exposure to Agent Orange.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to a service-connected prostate disability.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and an initial compensable rating for hypertension. The claims for a breathing condition and lung infection were remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of January 7, 2022, for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and tinnitus.
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.