Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for coronary artery disease. The VA determined that there was no evidence of a causal connection between the veteran's current disabilities and his active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II and its secondary effects (impotence, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia) are also granted. The toe amputation claim is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lung condition, as there is no current evidence of a lung disability. The other conditions were found to be related to service.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for arteriosclerotic heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's ovarian cancer, cardiac disability (coronary artery disease), paresthesias in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy), and headaches (migraine headaches) are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The veteran's death was caused by COPD, with significant contributions from coronary artery disease and hepatic carcinoid. Service connection for the cause of death is granted. Liver cancer is not service-connected, nor can it be presumed due to radiation exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease with hypertension warrants a disability rating of 60 percent, effective from when his claim was filed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension secondary to PTSD, heart disease secondary to PTSD, and alcoholism secondary to PTSD. The VA examinations did not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for arteriosclerotic heart disease with congestive heart failure, pes planus, and right calf and thigh atrophy due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, COPD, and CAD. The COPD claim was denied as it is not shown to be related to service or due to herbicide exposure or asbestosis. The CAD claim was also denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied both claims for service connection and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, a heart condition with hypertension, memory loss with speech problems, and glaucoma. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current heart disease to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a Decision Review Officer (DRO) hearing as requested by the veteran.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a heart disorder claimed as cardiac arrhythmia and mitral insufficiency linked to his active duty service or to a service-connected disability. The respiratory disorder issue was also denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of arteriosclerotic heart disease, finding no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from lung cancer, and the Board grants service connection for the cause of death. However, there is no potential for additional benefit under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, so the DIC claim is dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension, as well as an increased evaluation for his left knee sprain. The evidence did not support these claims.