Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for coronary artery disease and service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a secondary relationship between his sleep apnea and his service-connected sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever, including rheumatic heart disease.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death (bilateral renal cell carcinoma with metastases) was not caused by or a result of service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The appellant's DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 and her pension eligibility were also denied due to lack of evidence linking the cause of death to service.

The Board found that the appellant's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence of exposure to mustard gas and other chemical/biological agents during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining service medical records and VA examinations to determine the etiology of the veteran's diabetes mellitus and heart condition.

The veteran's heart disability is not due to VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill in prescribing an appetite suppressant. The event was not reasonably foreseeable.

The Board found that the veteran's current cardiovascular disorder is not related to his service, specifically the in-service stab wound. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a stab wound was also denied as there was no evidence showing it meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's preexisting congenital heart disease was aggravated by his period of service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected myofascial back pain syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent, effective June 26, 2000. The claim for a higher rating and earlier effective date are both granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing, additional medical records, and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for a chronic heart disorder and an increased evaluation for low back strain are pending.

The Board denied the claim as the cause of death was not related to service, and there is no evidence that the veteran's psychiatric disability caused or aggravated his heart disease.

The Board found that the veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease with hypertension and low back disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, service connection for hypertension with coronary artery disease and cardiomegaly, and service connection for an eye disability secondary to hypertension. The Board found that hypertension and coronary artery disease were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertensive arteriosclerotic heart disease, bilateral maxillary and ethmoid sinusitis, hemorrhoids, and allergic rhinitis are denied.

The Board found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date for TDIU due to his service-connected ischemic heart disease, as he was not entitled to TDIU prior to August 1, 2000.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology and date of onset for the veteran's claimed conditions, including COPD, heart disability, hypertension, and right eye disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need to review additional VA outpatient records and a VA general medical examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen her service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for hypertensive heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of the claims folder.