Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2002

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to new and material evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is no causal relationship between the veteran's military service or any disability related thereto and his death.

The veteran's service-connected peptic ulcer disease significantly contributed to his death due to acute myocardial infarction, as evidenced by the weight loss and malnutrition caused by the ulcer.

The Board found that there was no evidence linking the cause of the veteran's death to his service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, finding that there was no evidence to show it was incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease with hypertension and gout, finding that the veteran did not have these conditions during or within one year after his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease, which resulted in a myocardial infarction, was incurred during his military service. The decision is based on the evidence showing an abnormal EKG in service and current treatment for coronary artery disease.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for an increased rate of nonservice-connected pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or having a single permanent disability rated 100 percent under the Schedule, with additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, or being permanently housebound.

The Board found that the veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease, with angina pectoris and coronary artery bypass graft, was not incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30% rating. The claim for cardiovascular disability is denied, as the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection. Bilateral defective hearing remains unconnected to service.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities, both service and nonservice-connected, prevented him from successfully pursuing a vocational rehabilitation program and becoming gainfully employed in an occupation consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, the claim for retroactive payment of Chapter 31 benefits was denied.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease and granted ratings higher than 10 percent for PTSD from September 9, 1991 through October 6, 1999.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to unnecessary and improper surgical treatment at a VA Medical facility, finding that there was no evidence of endometriosis or heart disability resulting from the surgery.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current fibromyalgia and hypertensive heart disease are not related to his service or any service-connected disabilities. The claim for right TMJ dysfunction was previously denied, but new evidence does not support reopening this claim.

The veteran's left foot disability was incurred in service, and her heart murmur was not shown to be related to service. The other conditions were either not found or are presumed to have been caused by the veteran's active duty.

The Board found no evidence of current rheumatic heart disease and denied the claim for an increased evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, heart disorder, and residuals of a laceration to the right foot. The veteran's PTSD was not established as service-connected due to lack of evidence meeting diagnostic criteria. His heart disorder and right foot condition were found to have preexisted service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder, platelike atelectasis, right lower lobe, and viral pneumonia are not well grounded. As such, these claims have been denied.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection claims related to Agent Orange exposure, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, a back disability, and skin conditions. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective March 11, 2002.,A rating of 30 percent for PTSD is assigned from March 11, 2002.