Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2000

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected condition that caused or contributed to the veteran's death. The cause of death was attributed to small bowel infarction, which was linked to atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and thus denied claims for service connection for cause of death and special monthly compensation benefits.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of both old and new rating criteria.

The Board denied the claim for chronic skin lesions other than folliculitis and jungle rot, but granted service connection for ischemic heart disease with myocardial infarction as secondary to PTSD. The effective date of the current 100% schedular rating for PTSD was established as February 24, 2000.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, which is presumed due to the appellant's experience as a POW during World War II.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected burns likely caused or made worse his hypertension, which in turn combined to cause his death. Therefore, the appeal for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and status post myocardial infarctions is denied as not well grounded.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a heart disorder other than right ventricular dilatation or peripheral vascular disease due to his service-connected bronchitis with obstructive pulmonary emphysema. The claims were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the rating criteria under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease, including myocardial infarction, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The decision also noted that his pre-existing condition did not increase in severity beyond its natural progression during his period of active duty.

The Board found that the cause of death was not related to service-connected conditions, and denied the claim for Survivors' and Dependent's Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board found that the veteran's claim of service connection for a heart disorder is not well-grounded, as there was no current diagnosis of a heart disorder and no competent medical evidence linking any in-service disease or injury to his current condition.

The veteran's death was caused by acute myocardial infarction due to coronary artery disease, which is not service-connected. The appellant's eligibility for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 is denied.

The Board found no competent medical evidence relating the veteran's heart disorder to his active military service, including periods of Reserve duty. The claim is therefore not well grounded.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to his active duty.

The Board found no competent evidence linking the veteran's current heart disease or hypertension to his service, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension due to the lack of evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and service. The veteran's heart was found to be moderately enlarged shortly after entering service, but no specific treatment or medication was provided. Post-service medical records show continued treatment for various heart-related problems.

The Board dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, as determining whether an individual is directly treated at a local VA medical facility or indirectly through a fee-basis arrangement involves questions of medical management and not eligibility for benefits.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current heart disorder and hypertension, and service. The claim is denied.

The veteran's death was caused by pulmonary congestion, bronchopneumonia, and urinary tract infection. His service-connected bipolar disorder/schizophrenia did not contribute to his cause of death.