Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2003

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of coronary artery disease as secondary to his gunshot wound residuals, finding no causal relationship between the two.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of either temporomandibular joint syndrome or heart disease, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability, including as residual of a transient ischemic attack and coronary artery bypass surgery, finding no evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed right ear hearing loss and heart disorder are not related to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for nicotine dependence, pulmonary disease, and coronary artery disease are denied due to the prohibition of such claims under new legislation effective June 9, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cardiac disorder, coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass grafting, is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected hypertension.

The Board finds that the veteran's current heart disease and bilateral knee disability are not related to his active service. The VA opinions do not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that it did not have its onset during his military service or within a year after discharge.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to independently perform daily functions of self-care or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted a TDIU based on the veteran's service-connected low back and right shoulder disabilities, which are deemed to be as disabling as his severe coronary artery disease. The claim for a higher rating for the myocardial contusion residuals remains denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for left knee strain and granted service connection for a heart disorder. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease with history of hypertension, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disease and hypertension are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of her husband's death is denied as there is no medical evidence to support a link between his period of service and his death.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, including his malaria treatment. The cause of death was determined to be ischemic heart disease and chronic renal failure.

The VA determined that the veteran's current valvular heart disease is not related to any injury or disease incurred in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the cause of death, arteriosclerotic heart disease, was not incurred in service and did not contribute substantially or materially to cause the veteran's death. The appellant's claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) was also denied.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected heart condition, frostbite of the hands and feet, hiatal hernia with acid reflux, bilateral knee strain, left shoulder strain, and frostbite of the feet have all been denied. The initial evaluation for status post myocardial infarction with coronary artery angioplasty and stent placement remains at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD). The appellant's testimony at his December 2000 Central Office Board hearing, along with an April 1996 medical opinion from the appellant's cardiologist, provides relevant information as to whether the appellant's current CAD is etiologically related to his Army service. As a result, the claim for service connection for CAD is reopened.