Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, insomnia, a left hip disorder, hypertension (secondary to rheumatic fever), and vision disability (secondary to rheumatic fever). The heart disability claim was also denied. New and material evidence was not received in some cases.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal, including service connection claims and evaluations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including headaches, left knee disorder, right heel disorder, left hip disorder, dizziness or fainting spells, eye disorder, ear disorder, respiratory disorder, heart disorder, leg cramps, weight gain and loss, foot disorder, and psychiatric disorders. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to active service for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions regarding service connection for various heart disorders, hypertension, pneumonia residuals, and bronchitis.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed ASHD, MI, three vessel CAD, and hypertension were not incurred in service or due to untreated hypertension. As a result, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, Heart Disorder (including hypertension), and Back Disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish a causal link between current symptoms and military service. Service connection was also denied for Heart Disorder due to lack of in-service treatment records and failure to meet presumptive criteria. For the Back Disorder claim, while the veteran reported an injury during service, there were no medical records linking his current condition to service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and leg disorders, render him unable to protect himself from the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board finds that he is in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and a heart disorder. The appeal is considered 'mixed' as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The Board also found that the veteran's cardiovascular disorder was not caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease with atrial fibrillation as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities associated with his diabetes.

The Board has determined that a VA heart examination is needed to evaluate the complete record and render an opinion on the medical etiology of the veteran's myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.

The veteran's service medical records show chest pain during service, and post-service evidence shows he has coronary artery disease. The Board concludes that the symptoms noted in service were due to his current heart condition, granting service connection for coronary artery disease with stable angina, status post myocardial infarction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertensive cardiovascular disease, PTSD, and heart disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia are not related to his military service or his service-connected rheumatic heart disease, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a heart disorder, and calluses on her feet. The appeals are all denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration due to missing VA medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular renal disease, loss of vision in the right eye, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The appeal is remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have coronary artery disease as a result of his active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the veteran's service connection claim on a direct basis.