Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2006

The veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective August 29, 1996, based on his service-connected heart condition and neuropsychiatric disorder.

The veteran's service connection for diabetic retinopathy was denied. Service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease was granted, with a 30% rating effective February 15, 2005.

The veteran's claims of service connection for nicotine dependence, a heart disorder secondary to nicotine dependence, and COPD as secondary to nicotine dependence are denied due to lack of evidence showing the conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing before the Board, and then to return it for further action.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin rash and coronary artery disease have been denied. The appeals for service connection for memory problems and arthritis of the neck and back are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a heart condition due to lack of new and material evidence, as the current medical records do not establish that his heart condition was aggravated or caused by service.

The veteran's death was caused by coronary artery thrombosis and myocardial infarction, which are not service-connected. The appellant is seeking DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for VA treatment provided to the veteran in the month prior to his death.

The Board found no evidence of a heart condition or hypertension in service, and the veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The Board found no evidence of cardiovascular disease during service or within one year after separation, and the preponderance of medical evidence does not support a relationship between the veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's residuals of a cold injury manifested by numbness in his legs, but denied service connection for arthritis of the legs, back condition and heart condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to service or any other relevant factor.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II; service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), erectile dysfunction, and an eye condition (claimed as retinitis and cataracts); and total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease, both secondary to diabetes mellitus, has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to arteriosclerotic heart disease, finding no relationship between this condition and his active service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain medical opinions regarding the cause of the veteran's death and whether his service-connected condition contributed substantially or materially to his death. The appellant also needs to be provided with VCAA notification for her accrued benefits claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disease, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease are service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during his active duty in the Coast Guard.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying the veteran's TDY status in Vietnam. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between the veteran's exposure to asbestos during service and his death from heart disease.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension with coronary artery disease, which he claims was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded to obtain medical records that may provide information on the date of onset of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected coronary artery disease, which developed due to nicotine dependence he acquired during service. As a result, the cause of the veteran's death is now considered service connected.