Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected vertigo is granted, with a rating of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new regulations and additional evidence needed. The appellant's dementia is being evaluated, along with his service-connected heart disease.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, citing that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his sepsis and subsequent death.

The Board has determined that the appellant's coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, which are presumed to be related to his Vietnam-era service. The appellant is also eligible for DEA benefits under Chapter 35, and her claim for DIC benefits under Section 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and pulmonary emphysema, finding no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following his period of active service. The claim for reopening the PTB claim was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The claim of reopening a claim of service connection for left hip and neck conditions is also granted, with new evidence submitted since the last denial indicating these conditions are related to service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the heart due to new evidence. However, there is no direct or presumptive service connection as the veteran's heart disease was not caused by his in-service injury and cannot be attributed to any service-connected condition.

The veteran's service-connected rheumatic heart disease contributed to his death by making him less able to resist the fatal cancer and hastening his death.

The Board denied a compensable rating for service-connected residuals of rheumatic fever, finding that the claimant's service-connected residuals did not present any physical evidence of residual manifestations.

The Board has jurisdiction to adjudicate the claims for increased ratings for left ankle disability, hypertensive vascular disease and coronary artery disease from January 1, 1998, maxillary sinusitis, and service connection for lung condition. The RO must readjudicate these issues with any subsequent revisions in rating determinations deemed necessary.

The Board denied service connection for heart and liver disease in January 1987. The veteran has since submitted new evidence, but it is not considered material to reopen the claims.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise regarding whether the veteran's current conditions are related to her active military service. Therefore, service connection is granted for each condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was due to a service-connected condition, specifically his throat infection in service which is linked to subsequent heart disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of new evidence. The veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and arthritis of the back are pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and heart disorder, as well as his claim for TDIU benefits. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing a relationship between any current disabilities and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical evidence and determine whether the veteran's aortic valve replacement was caused by service or another condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and an increased rating for left knee disability based on lateral instability are pending.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for renal failure and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to a lack of evidence showing that the veteran's death was caused by inadequate or negligent medical treatment at VA facilities.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for heart disorder, irregular menses with endometriosis, chronic genitourinary disease, bilateral fibrocystic breast disease, and allergic rhinitis with alleged sinusitis. The claim for service connection for bronchitis remains denied as new evidence is not significant enough to reopen it.