Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran's service or a service-connected disability did not cause or contribute substantially to his death due to cardiopulmonary arrest resulting from multiple conditions, including heart disease and Alzheimer's dementia.

The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, resulting in a denial. The appellant's claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits under Chapter 35 also failed.

The Board found that the cause of death, arteriosclerotic heart disease, did not have its origins in service and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's heart disease, claimed as swelling and aching of the lower extremities, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to his POW status. The veteran was granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and denied entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35. The Board found that the heart disorder which caused his death was not related to any service-connected condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, as well as his claim for right shoulder residuals.

The Board found that the appellant's current coronary artery disease did not have its onset during service and is not related to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran's representative has asserted that his heart disorder is related to his service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded for the veteran to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current heart disorder, including hypertension, is proximately due to or the result of his PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease, finding that it was not proximately due to or the result of his residuals of thyroidectomy, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism. The Board concluded that the veteran's heart disease was more likely related to routine causes such as family history, tobacco use, being male and aging.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for arteriosclerotic heart disease, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the current diagnostic code.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and ensuring compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, residuals of a knee wound, residuals of a mine simulator explosion, and a hiatal hernia. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD is pending.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for various conditions allegedly caused by VA medical treatment in May 1996, and the Board has ordered further development to determine if these claims should be granted.

The veteran's right elbow disorder is rated at 10 percent, and he has a combined evaluation of 80 percent from his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increased rating for the right elbow disorder. However, the veteran's multiple service-connected conditions collectively preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nephritis, hypertension and a heart disorder, including secondary to asbestos exposure, as well as sleep apnea. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic disease during service or post-service continuity of symptoms related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 60 percent from June 10, 2000, such that restoration of a 100 percent evaluation is not proper.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims will be reconsidered based on all applicable laws and regulations.

The veteran's claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 and a compensable rating for residuals of rheumatic fever are being remanded due to the complexity of medical questions raised.

The VA has granted a 30 percent rating for rheumatic heart disease with mitral insufficiency and atrial fibrillation, effective April 2, 2001.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a determination on the veteran's claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation (claimed as heart disease) and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for bronchial asthma. The VA will schedule the veteran for a VA examination to assess his current cardiovascular condition, and obtain any relevant medical records from private or VA providers.