Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2003

The Board found that the veteran knowingly submitted a fraudulent medical certificate to obtain VA benefits, leading to a forfeiture of his rights and claims under 38 U.S.C.A. § 6103(a).

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and the need for further medical examinations. The veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, finding that it was incurred in or as a result of service. Service connection is also granted for the veteran's heart and respiratory conditions to include COPD, bullous disease, and residuals of a collapsed left lung, based on secondary service connection due to his arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, a heart condition, and a chronic condition manifested by glass ingestion due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, avitaminosis, and malnutrition due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The veteran was not recognized as a POW for VA purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability but denied service connection for a heart condition. The effective date of the low back disability is set at October 8, 2000. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the low back disability remains pending.

The veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to service connection for heart problems, and thus this claim is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has granted the veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a lung disorder, including bronchial asthma. The evidence received since the April 1968 RO decision is considered new and material as it connects current lung markings with asthma and indicates they are long-standing.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants the claim of secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have a hearing loss disability of the left ear for VA compensation purposes, and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease was not incurred in or related to service, and denied his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder and malaria, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestos exposure, right ankle and elbow injuries, psoriasis, cognitive impairment, and an earlier effective date for a higher rating for heart disease. The decision also found no CUE in the June 1995 rating decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination, submission of new evidence, and issuance of a statement of the case.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for heart disorder, kidney disorder, and lung disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive period.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for Hodgkin's disease, including determining whether he has any chronic disorders due to his treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, claimed as secondary to tobacco use. The case is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including myocardial infarction and lower dorsal spine injury, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His TDIU claim is granted.