Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2004

The Board found that the service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to the veteran's death, and thus denied both service connection for the cause of death and DIC benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for supraventricular tachycardia and increased the disability rating for hypertension to 10 percent. The issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease, increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the back, and increased evaluations for glaucoma are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease, status post CABG, were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and notification of the veteran's right to submit additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to a TDIU prior to January 3, 2002.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and hypertensive vascular disease were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either version of the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, a skin disorder claimed as chloracne, and a heart disorder due to procedural reasons. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for impotence remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for additional evidence, including medical records from a VA clinic in Manila.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected below-the-knee amputation contributed to his death due to coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, which were exacerbated by lack of exercise caused by the amputation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine diagnoses and etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that the veteran's death was due to his use of tobacco products during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of hypertension and left ear hearing loss disability, as well as his service connection claims for heart disease, tinnitus, PTSD, and sinusitis. The RO found that there was no current evidence of a compensable level of hearing loss or a diagnosis of heart disease, PTSD, or sinusitis in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between service-connected diabetes and the cause of death (coronary artery disease). The appellant is requested to provide records from a private hospital where her husband died, as well as any records in Dr. L.'s possession.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for an aortic aneurysm as secondary to the veteran's service-connected residuals of hypothyroidism, but denied service connection for coronary artery disease.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected hypertension and found that his heart disorder is due in part to his service-connected hypertension.

The veteran's secondary service connection claim for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident is denied. The effective date for the increased rating of hypertension remains November 19, 1997 due to lack of evidence showing an increase within one year prior to the claim. The heart disability is rated at 30 percent and the veteran's appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board has granted the appellant's request to reopen her claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, based on new evidence submitted since the February 1982 decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for compliance with provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claims for service connection and an earlier effective date are being reviewed.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular conditions did not have their onset during service or within one year of service and denied his claims for service connection.