Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2006

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a videoconference personal hearing for the appellant.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service and denied both claims for service connection and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the veteran's current heart condition and left knee condition were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examinations did not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his current employment history and educational background.

The veteran's degenerative disc disease L3-S1 with mild stenosis is rated at 40 percent, reflux esophagitis with hiatal hernia, duodenitis and history of ulcers remains at 10 percent, and arteriosclerotic heart disease status post myocardial infarction with hypertension is rated at 60 percent. The veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if the veteran's congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cor pulmonale are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertensive vascular disease.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and requests further development, including VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for all six secondary conditions (right hip disorder, headaches, ulcers, hypertension, cardiovascular disorder, and bilateral knee disorder) to the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and classification issues related to the veteran's claimed duties during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease, finding that there was no evidence of these conditions during service or related to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, deviated nasal septum, sleep apnea, and chronic renal insufficiency due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The veteran's military records are unavailable.

Service connection for migraines and stomach disorder (claimed as gastritis and spastic colon) was denied.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ankle fracture residuals, pes planus, thoracic spine disorder, kidney stones, sinusitis/rhinitis/allergies, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), skin tumors (presumed due to herbicide exposure), arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), and sleep apnea was denied.,Service connection for right ankle fracture residuals was granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current heart disorder did not have its onset during service or within one year of discharge, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 8, 2003 for service connection of arteriosclerotic heart disease and coronary arteriosclerosis anginal syndrome compensated is granted. The initial rating of 60 percent assigned for these conditions remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any heart disease, including whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disease (hypertension and coronary artery disease), and a respiratory disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of exposure to herbicides or other presumptive conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, finding that his condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by his time in the Virginia National Guard.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of these conditions within one year after discharge from service or for many years thereafter. The medical evidence did not show a direct relationship between his in-service vaccinations and his current health issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's essential hypertension and heart disease are not service-connected, as they were not present during his military service or due to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diarrhea, coronary artery disease, digestive disorder, bowel urgency, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The appeals were based on secondary service connection.