Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2001

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, coronary artery disease (CAD), and eye disorders. The claim for a compensable rating for infectious jaundice is granted.

The veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2000. The veteran's daughter is also eligible for Dependent's Educational Assistance under Chapter 35.

The veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, which is a POW presumptive disease with a history of localized edema during captivity. The appellant's DIC claim was granted as the cause of death was service-connected.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final denial. Additional development is required before determining the substantive merits of the claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant incurred additional disability (residuals of myocardial infarction) as a result of his coronary artery bypass graft surgery performed on December 6, 1995. As such, service connection for residuals of myocardial infarction is granted.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grants of service connection for hypertension with arteriosclerotic heart disease and degenerative changes of the cervical spine, finding that the law does not allow such a decision.

The veteran's cause of death was determined to be cardio-respiratory failure with an undetermined cause. The Board found no evidence supporting service connection for the conditions claimed, and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to a special monthly allowance based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her disabilities, as she does not meet the criteria outlined in VA regulations.

The RO granted service connection for coronary artery disease, but later severed it due to a finding of clear and unmistakable error. The veteran's rheumatic fever residuals are rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an earlier effective date prior to July 16, 1993 for his total compensation rating based on individual unemployability. The RO initially granted this benefit in November 1997 and later changed it to July 16, 1993 due to service connection for nicotine dependence and secondary heart disease.

The veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder is found to have contributed substantially to his death by hastening the progression of his cardiovascular disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart condition with residuals of a heart transplant may not be disassociated from military service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran likely incurred beriberi during his time as a POW, which contributed to his heart disease and subsequent death. The appeal for accrued benefits was dismissed due to lack of timely submission.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred in connection with outpatient testing conducted at Winter Park Memorial Hospital on April 2, 1997 is denied. The criteria for entitlement to payment/reimbursement under VA regulations are not met.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of exposure to mustard gas and malaria were granted. The claim for a back disorder was reopened with new evidence submitted, but the specific nature of the back condition remains unclear.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and heart disease, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for anxiety reaction was not addressed.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, ischemic cardiomyopathy, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is denied as his disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that his petition to reopen the claim was filed many years after his separation from active service and thus could not be retroactive.