Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2005

The veteran died from non-service-connected causes while hospitalized at a VA facility. The appellant's claim for a service-connected burial allowance is denied as the veteran did not have a pending claim for compensation benefits at the time of his death.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus. The cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and heart disease, is being remanded due to a lack of evidence addressing its etiology.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are secondary to his service-connected major depression. The claims will be remanded for additional examination and development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred in or aggravated by service, nor did a service-connected disability cause or contribute materially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's increased rating claim for residuals of bilateral epididymitis biopsy and his service connection claims for hypertension and a heart condition. The veteran was not granted any benefits.

The veteran's claims for service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus and coronary artery disease are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease is granted, and his claim for restoration of special monthly compensation based on loss of use of lower extremities is denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for heart disease, finding that there was no pending claim prior to January 19, 1989.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the veteran's service connection awards due to the veteran's failure to assist VA in obtaining necessary medical records.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability for hypertension or coronary artery disease, and the VA examiners concluded that these conditions were not related to military service. The chest pain was attributed to a service-connected somatization disorder.

The Board found that the veteran's heart disability is not secondary to his service-connected stomach disability, and thus denied his claim.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and found that burial benefits were not awarded due to the veteran's pending claim for pension which was later determined to be inapplicable at the time of his death.

The Board has denied both the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and secondary service connection for a heart disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran knowingly submitted false statements to obtain VA benefits, leading to forfeiture of his rights and claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for lung disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and a lower back condition. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed stressors and service connection for PTSD, hypertension, headaches, and CAD. The issues of secondary service connection will be deferred until further development is completed.

The veteran is seeking service connection for heart conditions, but the case has been remanded due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and migraine disorder due to a lack of evidence showing an inservice onset or relationship to these conditions.

The Board has restored the veteran's disability rating for rheumatic heart disease to 60 percent and granted restoration of SMC at a level provided by 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(n). The additional SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is pending further action.

The veteran's claim for service connection for nicotine dependence with secondary heart disease has been reopened due to new evidence. However, the claim remains denied as it is barred by law from being considered after June 9, 1998.