Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2000

The Board denied the increased evaluation for atherosclerotic heart disease and service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. The appellant's claim for an increased evaluation was not well-grounded as he did not have a current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

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

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities have been granted, with the exception of the evaluation for coronary artery disease. The left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome are each rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, effective from June 26, 1995. The veteran's lateral epicondylitis of the right elbow is rated at 10 percent, sinusitis at 10 percent, left knee disorder at direct service connection, low back disorder at direct service connection, and gastritis at direct service connection.

The veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities. The appellant did not meet the criteria for dependency and indemnity compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for ankle and neck conditions, as well as kidney, lung, hypertension, heart, and stomach conditions are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has found the claim of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease due to nicotine dependence acquired in service is well grounded. The VA has a duty to assist the veteran, and therefore, this issue is REMANDED for a VA examination.

The Board found the veteran's claim not well grounded, as there is no competent medical evidence linking his current heart disease to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The appeals are based on various disabilities, but no presumption or secondary theory of service connection was claimed.

The veteran's heart condition, including myocardial infarction and atherosclerotic heart disease with angina, has been rated at 30 percent since August 1992. The current evaluation is based on the revised criteria effective January 12, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a neck disability, hernia disability, and hypertension or heart disability. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.,Specifically, the Board noted that the veteran's SMRs did not show any treatment for or reference to these conditions during his military service.

The Board found that the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and basic eligibility for dependents' educational assistance benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code are not well grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder due to aggravation during active military service, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

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 appellant must provide further evidence to establish whether ischemic heart disease due to beriberi in service contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a lung disorder and a cardiovascular disorder are not well grounded. The RO denied his claims in April 1974, which is final. The veteran has not submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claims for anxiety reaction and hypertension.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's cause of death (transitional cell carcinoma of bladder and coronary artery disease) to his military service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for reopening his service connection for coronary artery disease with hypertension was denied. His PTSD claim resulted in a 10% disability rating, but the issue of an increased evaluation for his low back injury remains unresolved.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for hemoptysis, bronchitis, and arteriosclerotic heart disease as they are not well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a heart disability, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and denied entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35. The appellant did not meet the conditions for eligibility for dependents' educational assistance.

The Board denied service connection for epigastric distress (claimed as stomach condition), a heart condition, and fibrocystic breast disease, bilateral (claimed as breast condition).