Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2001

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to any service-connected condition or to conditions he may have acquired as a POW.

The Board denied reopening the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred for heart disability treatment are denied as the service-connected status and combined schedular evaluation do not meet the criteria for reimbursement.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a cardiology examination to assess his coronary artery disease with hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical records and examinations, as well as compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran is entitled to an effective date of April 2, 1982 for a grant of TDIU and service connection for ischemic heart disease based on the service-connected condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examinations.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease with valvular disease and a pacemaker, which was denied in 1987. The Board also granted a compensable evaluation (10%) for polyarthritis as a residual of rheumatic fever.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective date of the rating decision was not addressed.

The veteran's residuals of an acromioclavicular separation of the left shoulder with arthritis are rated at 20 percent effective March 16, 1998.,A hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and a history of a duodenal ulcer is rated at 30 percent from September 29, 1995 to April 30, 1996. It was previously rated as zero percent effective March 1, 1994.,Hemorrhoids are rated at 10 percent since March 1, 1994.,Coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction is rated at 30 percent effective March 1, 1994.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims due to changes in the law.

The Board has determined that the service-connected delusional disorder contributed substantially to the veteran's death due to abdominal sepsis caused by coronary bypass surgery.

The Board has denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a heart disorder, finding that the new evidence submitted does not meet the criteria of being both new and material.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and entitlement to dependent's educational assistance, finding that there was no evidence linking ischemic heart disease to active duty or cold exposure.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for essential hypertension and granted service connection for organic heart disease, including hyperlipidemia and essential hypertension.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease and brain tumor, finding new and material evidence. The veteran's onychomycosis (rotting feet) is not considered to be related to service or exposure to herbicides.,Service connection was denied for loss of vision secondary to a brain tumor and onychomycosis (rotting feet), as the condition is not linked to service or exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining her service medical records and private treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to resolve the veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for further examination.

The Board found the attorney fees stipulated in an undated agreement to be excessive and unreasonable, reducing them to zero.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the service-connected coronary artery disease with hypertension, which is the highest available rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.