Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2000

The Board found that cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The veteran's death was due to ischemic cardiomyopathy, which was related to atherosclerosis. There is no evidence of mustard gas exposure during service, nor any other service connection for the conditions causing the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of PTSD and jungle rot are well-grounded, while his claims for other conditions are not supported by cognizable evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and heart disease, finding that there was no competent medical evidence to support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected hearing loss did not contribute to his cause of death, as there was no evidence linking it to any cardiovascular conditions or ulcers. The Board concluded that the veteran's hearing loss exacerbated his hypertension but did not play a substantial role in causing his cardiac death.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected low back disability and determined that the effective date for TDIU should be January 12, 1998. The veteran was not granted a higher rating for his low back condition, which remained at 40 percent disabling. For TDIU, the Board found that the veteran did not meet the criteria due to having multiple service-connected disabilities with combined ratings of less than 70%.

The Board has found a medical opinion linking the cause of the veteran's death to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, which contributed to his heart problems and ultimately caused his death in 1996. The appeal is granted as the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation benefits for pulmonary fibrosis and a higher disability evaluation for coronary artery dissection and/or occlusion with myocardial infarction by enzymes. The veteran's unstable sternum was evaluated at 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of current nicotine dependence or a causal relationship between the veteran's CAD and cigarette smoking during service. Therefore, the claims for both Nicotine Dependence and CAD were denied.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's postoperative scar of the right lower quadrant abdominal abscess and found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen his claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for heart disease is denied as there is no competent evidence showing a causal relationship between his current heart condition and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals regarding entitlement to increased pension benefits, higher evaluation for left nephrolithiasis with lithotripsy and other issues due to lack of adequate substantive appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, colon polyps, and heart disease as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for prostate problems and coronary artery disease, both secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection due to lack of medical evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease because he did not meet the criteria to be considered a 'veteran' under VA regulations, as his myocardial infarction occurred during inactive duty training and is not an injury eligible for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded, as there was no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder or sinusitis during active service and no competent medical evidence establishing a nexus between any of the disabilities at issue and his period of active service.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and found that the veteran's COPD with asthma warranted a 30% rating from March 15, 1995. The effective date of this award was not specified.

The Board has reopened the claim and determined that new evidence supports a finding of service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The RO will now determine if these conditions are aggravated by PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's rheumatic heart disease with coronary artery disease warrants a 100% evaluation, effective from the date of claim.

The Board granted an increased disability rating of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease and a 10 percent disability rating for the residuals of a gunshot wound to the left ankle, effective October 17, 1995. The appellant's claim for earlier effective date was also granted.