Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2003

The veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied as there is no evidence that his periorbital cellulitis or coronary artery disease was caused by VA treatment.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder with hypertension, finding that the veteran's atrial fibrillation and hypertension preexisted his third period of active military service and were not aggravated therein. The cardiovascular disorders including arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, and dilated cardiomyopathy are presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of meningitis, including his migrainous headaches, warrant a 10 percent initial rating. The decision is based on the medical evidence showing persistent and severe headaches related to the veteran's in-service meningitis.

The Board found that the veteran's current coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and its incurrence or aggravation during active service may not be presumed. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain and shortness of breath, heart disorder, and decreased vision. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for ischemic heart disease, which was previously denied. The appellant now has a current diagnosis of arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted with an effective date of January 21, 2000.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder. The veteran's current medical records show evidence of a heart disability or its residuals.