Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, a blood disorder, a heart disorder, a leg disorder, and a back disorder. The evidence did not show any in-service or chronic post-service manifestations of these conditions.

The veteran's cause of death was congestive heart failure due to atherosclerotic heart disease. Other significant conditions contributing to his death were diaphragmatic myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism, and peripheral vascular disease. None of these conditions are service-connected.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal regarding entitlement to VA compensation benefits for a left leg condition under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. ¶ 1151 due to lack of timely filing of a substantive appeal.

The Board found that the veteran's current heart disorder is not related to an in-service oral infection and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his arteriosclerotic and hypertensive heart disease to his active military service or his service-connected disabilities. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support a conclusion that his service-connected conditions contributed substantially and materially to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected anxiety reaction, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disease, and a psychiatric disorder in May 1987. The decision is being reviewed on grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The veteran's death was not caused by VA hospital care or medical treatment, and therefore the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the veteran's current cardiac disorder, including coronary artery disease and pericarditis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the appellant's heart disorder, including coronary artery disease, did not develop during active service or a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA), and may not be presumed to have been incurred during active service. The claim was denied.

The veteran's heart disability is found to be caused or worsened by VA treatment, and he was granted a 100 percent rating for his service-connected right diaphragm disability from October 7, 1996.

The veteran's coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and he is granted a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder has aggravated his non-service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension, warranting a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case to allow for additional development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a heart disorder will be considered.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, which was first manifested in service. The issues of service connection for a heart disorder and headaches as secondary to the lumbar spine disability are addressed on remand.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim, finding that his coronary artery disease is due to or aggravated by his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran's heart disability was not caused or worsened by treatment at the VAMC in February to April 1993, and there is no additional disability due to VA medical treatment.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and coronary artery disease are related to his service-connected nicotine dependence.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, as his cardiovascular disease was due to long-term smoking and nicotine dependence that began prior to service.