Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a heart condition is not well grounded and requires further development to determine if there is any current cardiovascular condition related to the veteran's active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disorder, including hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease, was not incurred in or related to service.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease, finding that the veteran's preexisting heart condition existed prior to his active duty for training and did not permanently increase in severity during this period. The left great toe fracture was granted a noncompensable disability rating.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital on April 28, 2000 are granted as the treatment was for a hypertensive emergency associated with her service-connected coronary artery spasm.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the housebound rate is being remanded due to incomplete development of his medical records and failure to rate each identified disability under specific diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease, finding no evidence of a pre-existing condition and concluding that there is no nexus between the current heart condition and service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred as a result of his service-connected thrombophlebitis of the left leg, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disease with jugular venous distention, finding that there was no clinical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and status post percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board finds that the veteran's heart condition resulting from VA treatment is compensable under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and his increased evaluation for chronic bronchitis with a history of bronchiectasis remains unchanged.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there is no evidence linking his heart disease to his service-connected right arm disability.