Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2003

The RO denied the veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU, as well as his request for an effective date prior to November 23, 1992 for a 60 percent disability evaluation. The RO also denied entitlement to TDIU based on the June 6, 1984 decision.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and temporary total evaluations were all denied by the Board.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease and a gynecological disorder, finding no evidence of any chronic disability in these areas during or after her military service.

The veteran's medical expenses incurred at a private facility were deemed eligible for reimbursement due to the nature of his service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease and the urgency of the need for emergency surgery.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues regarding service connection for organic heart disease and hypertension. The case will be returned to the RO for additional examination and review.

The Board has granted service connection for fatigue as secondary to the veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder with anxiety.

The Board denied service connection for circulatory disease to include CVA and ASHD, diverticulitis, IBS, sleep apnea, and ulcer disease. The veteran's PTSD was granted with a 10% evaluation from November 8, 1996.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart condition is due to or a result of his service-connected psychoneurosis with anxiety, depression, and phobia. As such, the claim for secondary service connection for the heart condition is granted.

The veteran's appeal involves issues related to his service-connected heart condition, including an increased rating and effective date. The case is being remanded for additional development of medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and heart disease are not related to service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for PTSD is also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with heart attack and bypass graft surgery, as secondary to his service-connected meningococcal meningitis, pericarditis, and myocarditis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disease, all claimed as a result of exposure to Agent Orange herbicide. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing the veteran served within the boundaries of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has ordered additional development as the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is incomplete due to inadequate notice and examination. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The VA determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claims for increased disability rating for hypertension and service connection for a heart disorder and depression secondary to his service-connected hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that no evidence existed to support such a retroactive grant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and a chronic heart disorder, finding no evidence to support these conditions as incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has ordered additional development of evidence and the case is being remanded for further review due to procedural issues.

The veteran's claims of service connection for COPD with emphysema and bronchitis, and coronary artery disease due to tobacco use have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted. The statute prohibits service connection for disabilities resulting from the use of tobacco products during military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion and ensuring compliance with the VCAA.