Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2004

The veteran seeks service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions, claiming exposure to herbicides during his temporary duty assignment in Vietnam. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the alleged TAD in Vietnam.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of postoperative residuals of coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction was denied as the RO determined that the November 1997 letter did not constitute a formal or informal claim and the earliest possible effective date is May 12, 2000.

The veteran died from myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease, which the appellant claims are related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board needs additional evidence to determine if the veteran's PTSD contributed to his death or if it was a result of other medical conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension with coronary artery disease is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for periodontal disease and residuals thereof, as well as her claim for service connection for hypertensive heart disease. The appeals were not granted due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death due to cardiovascular disease, and thus granted dependency and indemnity compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bone deterioration of the right hand and left elbow, as well as his claim for an increased rating for sarcoidosis. The veteran was previously granted a 30 percent evaluation for sarcoidosis.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic heart disease as the veteran did not have recognized service during which he could be granted presumptive service connection based on POW status, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to his period of active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and nephrolithiasis. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nicotine dependence, heart disease, and genitourinary cancer, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a nexus to service. The Board also found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for nicotine dependence.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death, ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive lung disease, was not caused by or aggravated by his military service. The appellant is also denied basic eligibility for nonservice-connected death pension benefits and entitlement to accrued benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis and remanded the heart disorder claim to obtain additional development.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic acquired heart disorder and increased ratings for kidney stones were denied. The veteran was granted a 30 percent evaluation for his kidney stones in June 1997, but this rating was later reduced to 10 percent effective April 1, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease was incurred during his active duty service in Southwest Asia, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's bipolar disorder is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The condition has been granted with a total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been caused by service. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits is without legal merit due to lack of pending claims at the time of his death. The appellant is also not eligible for nonservice connected death pension as her husband had qualifying service under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1521(j).

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder, ischemic heart disease, eczema, or pneumonia. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for heart disease due to insufficient development and notification.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than January 7, 1998 for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for service-connected coronary artery disease is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is January 1, 2000. The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment starting from this date.