Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2001

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for special monthly pension benefits due to a lack of evidence showing that he requires regular aid and attendance or is substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a head and brain injury resulting in a stroke, nerve impairment of the face, psychiatric disability, and heart disability. The decision also addressed his claim for a compensable evaluation for syphilis.

The Board found that the veteran's arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular accident were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor are they proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's heart disorder and hemorrhoids to his active service, including any presumptive conditions. The appeal was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and set the effective date to September 1, 1996, which is the day following the veteran's separation from active duty.

The VA granted service connection for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, but the effective date remains pending as it is still within the original claim period.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and he did not meet the eligibility criteria for dependent's educational assistance under Chapter 35.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, impotency, and defective vision as secondary to his service-connected dermatophytosis and tinea cruris.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of the need for additional aid and attendance benefits.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further development, including assignment of disability ratings and review of the special monthly pension claim.

The Board denied the claim that the veteran's coronary artery disease is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's non-service connected disabilities necessitate regular aid and attendance, allowing for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, chronic neck disability, and cardiovascular disease including CAD, ASHD, and hypertension. The evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of current diagnoses or a link between the claimed conditions and military service.

The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from December 27, 1996. The veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease with hypertension and lumbosacral strain have prevented him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment since December 27, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition and hypertension, finding that these conditions did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The RO granted service connection for a back disorder including degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine on a direct basis or as secondary to service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds of the pleural cavity, but denied an increased evaluation for residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left forearm with nerve involvement.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder, hypertension as secondary to PTSD, and heart disease as secondary to PTSD. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have coronary artery disease, hypertension, or a kidney disorder due to service. The evidence does not show these conditions were present in service or within one year postservice.

The Board found that the veteran's psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for rheumatic heart disease was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new VA rating criteria.