Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and his hypertension with coronary artery disease does not meet the criteria for service connection. The TDIU claim was denied as the combined disability rating of 70% does not result in unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's current coronary artery disease is not due to any event or incident of his active service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease, claimed as chest pain, was not incurred or aggravated during service and is unrelated to service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's hypertension was rated at 20 percent prior to September 7, 1995.,From September 7, 1995 to January 11, 1998, the veteran was assigned a 60 percent rating for hypertensive atherosclerotic heart disease due to organic heart disease.,Since January 11, 1998, the veteran has been rated at 100 percent for chronic congestive heart failure.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete medical records and the need for an etiological opinion regarding the veteran's probable asbestos exposure in service. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of her husband's death, which may be related to his exposure to asbestos.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current heart disorder and that any such disorder is not related to service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed heart disorders, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, are not related to his military service. The evidence does not show a diagnosis within one year of separation from service or any in-service treatment for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it proximately due to his service-connected PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the appellant's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a heart disorder, finding that no new and material evidence has been received since the April 1945 RO decision.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease were not incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition, and thus denied secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case to gather additional medical records and determine if the veteran's conditions are related to service, particularly his rheumatic fever during active duty.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a heart condition or right shoulder disability as a result of his service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board found that the appellant's coronary artery disease did not pre-exist service and was not aggravated by his period of active service. As such, the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have coronary artery disease or hypertension that was incurred in or aggravated by his active military service, and it is not shown to be proximately due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertensive vascular disease, and lumbosacral strain are pending.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for his claimed heart disorder, bilateral inguinal hernia, carpal tunnel syndrome, liver disorder, acquired mental disorder (PTSD), and acquired vascular disorder as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's death was caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA opinion on whether the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder contributed to his death from coronary artery disease and hypertension.

The veteran was awarded special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance effective May 25, 2000. The effective date is being upheld as it meets the criteria established by VA regulations.