Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure as secondary to service-connected rheumatic mitral stenosis has been granted, and he is now receiving a noncompensable evaluation for the condition.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or aggravate his non-service-connected coronary artery disease, and thus denied secondary service connection.

The Board found that the cause of death, arteriosclerotic heart disease with carcinomatosis, was not attributable to service and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of rheumatic fever do not warrant a compensable evaluation as they are asymptomatic and his current heart issues, such as coronary artery disease, are unrelated to his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lung and heart conditions, both claimed as due to asbestos exposure during military service. The other issues were not addressed or are considered not relevant.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability and PTSD, but additional development is needed before de novo review can occur.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 2, 2002 for a 100 percent rating for arteriosclerotic heart disease as the earliest ascertainable date of increase in disability was April 2, 2002.

The Board denied service connection for skin rash, cardiovascular disability (including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure), and PTSD. The veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions were not linked to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is about his current disability rating for coronary artery disease, which is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated medical evidence and determine the appropriate disability rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury, including arthritis and numbness in the lower extremities, a back disorder, and a heart disorder is being remanded due to scheduling an RO hearing.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected atherosclerotic coronary artery disease with hypertension and nephritis was granted at 60 percent effective June 3, 2002. The evaluation was increased to 100 percent effective August 14, 2003 for the period from June 3, 2002 until August 14, 2003.

The veteran seeks service connection for renal cell carcinoma and heart disease. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking any current heart disability to military service or claimed asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of aid and attendance due to her physical and mental incapacity, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect herself from hazards and dangers incident to her daily environment. Aid and attendance benefits are therefore granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected heart disability, which includes rheumatic heart disease with mitral insufficiency and history of cardiac pacemaker implantation, warrants a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for all twelve claimed conditions, finding that the appellant did not have a radiation-exposed veteran status and there was no objective evidence of actual exposure to ionizing radiation during her military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arteriosclerotic heart disease and residuals of a gunshot wound to the right thigh, have significantly impacted his ability to care for himself. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.