Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease with atrial valve replacement and hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a Member of the Board at the local office.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The case is remanded for further development and adjudication.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of VA improved pension benefits in the amount of $8,065.00 due to severe financial hardship and inability to meet basic necessities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral pes cavus and hearing loss disabilities, as well as service connection for cardiovascular disease, were denied by the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's hypertension and heart disease, which are claimed as secondary to his service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for heart disorder, skin disorder, and parenchymal nodule on the left lung are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disability or a link to service.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current heart disorder to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the appellant's current heart disorder is not service-connected, as there was no evidence linking it to his active military service. The medical opinion concluded that the appellant's extensive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease developed due to multiple cardiac risk factors such as smoking and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for mitral valve disease, rated at 10 percent disabling. The effective date of the award is September 25, 1995.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to a lack of competent medical evidence showing that the veteran's service-connected heart disease caused or contributed substantially and materially to his death. The claim for dependents' educational assistance benefits was also denied.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding no relationship between his military service and the causes of his death as listed on the death certificate.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and arthritis of the left shoulder are not well grounded. The evidence does not show a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation from service.

The Board has granted service-connection for a cervical spine disability including degenerative disc disease and coronary artery disease, with a 10 percent rating. Service connection was not granted for the right hip disability.

The Board found that new evidence submitted since the October 1991 RO rating decision raised a reasonable possibility of service connection for hypertension, but concluded there was no clear and unmistakable error in denying service connection for hypertension. The heart disease claim is addressed in the remand portion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his conditions to military service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and osteomyelitis of the right foot due to lack of evidence showing a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with hypertension as secondary to nicotine dependence is well-grounded. The issue of service connection for emphysema as secondary to nicotine dependence remains pending and will be further developed.

The Board has determined that the claims of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, and entitlement to DIC benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are not well grounded.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the April 1968 RO decision.

The VA has determined that the veteran's ischemic heart disease warrants a 60 percent rating, effective from when his service-connected condition was granted under the presumptive provisions for POWs.