Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2007

The Board has denied the veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection for a right nephrectomy and heart condition, both due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The evidence submitted since the April 1996 decision does not provide new and material evidence necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has found the evidence sufficient to establish service connection for heart disability and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities on a secondary basis due to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a heart disorder, finding no reasonable possibility that his current cardiac condition was caused by exposure to ionizing radiation in 1978 during the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Operation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his coronary artery disease and TDIU prior to January 29, 2001 as there was no evidence meeting the criteria for an increased evaluation.

The VA determined that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's cardiovascular disorders, including pericarditis, to his military service. The Board found that the veteran's current conditions are not likely related to his in-service pericarditis.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of rheumatic fever or a heart disorder that were incurred in service. The VA medical opinions do not support the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently shown heart disease was not initially manifested during service, may not be presumed to have been incurred during service, and is not otherwise shown to be related to service or any event therein. Therefore, service connection for heart disease is denied.

The veteran's coronary artery disease is found to be caused by her service-connected hypertension, and thus she is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to hypertension resulting in a fatal cardiac incident. The appellant is also eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A., Chapter 35.

The Board found that the veteran's current heart disorder and chest injury residuals are not related to his active service, including a motor vehicle accident in 1968. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions were more likely due to hypertension and smoking rather than the 1968 incident.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including coronary artery disease, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The presumptive provisions for Agent Orange exposure do not apply as these conditions are not listed among those diseases presumed to be associated with such exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development of medical evidence and clarification on whether PTSD aggravates or contributes to the veteran's heart disorders.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and coronary artery disease, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between the veteran's service and these conditions.

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

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The veteran seeks service connection for hypertension with coronary artery disease, which he contends is related to his service-connected conversion reaction with post-traumatic stress disorder. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for pulmonary tuberculosis, effective from the date of inactivity following active pulmonary tuberculosis. The veteran's hypertension and heart disorder are not service connected as they were not caused by his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, effective from May 12, 2005, based on a presumption under the PACT Act.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals for service connection for a lumbar spine condition, hypertension, and hypertensive heart condition due to lack of timely filing of a substantive appeal.