Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertensive heart disease and hypertension originated in service, and they caused or contributed substantially to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The veteran's cause of death (pneumonia, heart disease, stroke, and multiple organ failure) is not service-connected. Therefore, the claim for burial benefits at the service-connected cause of death rate is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease, with history of first degree atrioventricular block, warranted a 30 percent disability evaluation and denied an increased rating.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his fatal colon cancer and arteriosclerotic heart disease to his military service or any inservice exposure.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for conjunctivitis was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence of a link between the veteran's service-connected PTSD and his current hypertension or coronary artery disease, thus denying the claim.

The Board found that the veteran's rheumatic heart disease did not warrant a rating higher than the current 10 percent evaluation, given his overall medical history and the lack of significant residuals.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, or onychomycosis. The claim for service connection for organic heart disease with myocardial infarction and gout was denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities related to service. Service connection for a mental disorder was also denied due to lack of competent evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability, which is now granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

Service connection is not granted for any of the veteran's claimed conditions as there is no competent medical evidence showing a current disability or that any such disability was incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not have service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or a lung disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's gastric ulcer disease and cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, were not incurred or aggravated by active military service. The decision also denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for nephrolithiasis with a history of peylonephritis.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical evidence and determine if a higher evaluation for rheumatic heart disease is warranted.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a kidney disorder and a disorder characterized by dizziness, fatigue, and weakness prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability manifested by chest pain related to a heart disorder, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The claim of service connection for sinusitis remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, heart disorder, right shoulder disability, and arthritis have been denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues except asbestosis. The Board dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal.

The veteran's cause of death was not related to service-connected conditions. The Board denied the claim for DIC under section 1318 as the veteran did not meet the eligibility criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a skin condition, lower left leg disability to include the left knee, foot, and Achilles tendon, left arm and left elbow condition, or heart condition as a result of service. Therefore, these claims are denied.