Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, diabetes mellitus, and heart condition (secondary to diabetes mellitus). The decision also noted that the veteran was not provided proper VCAA notice regarding his petition to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disability.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various health conditions, including migraine headaches, lung disease, heart disease, bladder cancer, and skin cancer. The appeal will be remanded to obtain additional information about the veteran's exposure during his military service in India.

The veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for coronary artery disease was granted with a rating of 20 percent effective June 24, 2006. The previous 10 percent rating remains in effect.,The veteran's low back disability has been granted since June 24, 2006, and is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease and hypertension, both secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Coronary Artery Disease as secondary to Service-Connected Diabetes Mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is not proximately due or the result of his service-connected type II diabetes, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease (claimed as cardiac transplantation) and impotence, both secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for heart condition, coronary artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and hypertension. The conditions were not shown to have been caused or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for triple vessel disease and angina, as well as hypertension, due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or to exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound.

The veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease was granted at 30% effective April 4, 2005. The claim of service connection for sleep apnea secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder is pending and will be remanded. The left knee degenerative joint disease has been rated as 10%. The veteran's higher rating claims for coronary artery disease are denied.

The veteran's cause of death, coronary artery disease, was determined to be related to service-connected PTSD. Given the evidence and resolving any doubt in favor of the appellant, the Board finds that service connection for the veteran's cause of death is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism caused by recent surgery on his right knee, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant. The issue of entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as service connection for the cause of death has been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease did not have its onset during service or as a result of his service-connected hypertension, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board determined that the veteran's pre-existing heart disorder, including PAF and RBBB, did not undergo an increase in severity during service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his preexisting rheumatic heart disease was aggravated by military service and contributed to his death.

The Board found that the veteran does not have PTSD or a heart disorder related to service and denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing medical records from 1993, including a February 1993 letter from Dr. Olden that may establish entitlement to an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for residuals of rheumatic fever with heart disease.

The Board has granted service connection for several conditions, including oral leukoplakia with squamous cell carcinoma and other respiratory issues. The decision is based on presumed exposure to ionizing radiation during service.