Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2007

The veteran is not entitled to VA financial assistance for the purchase of an automobile with adaptive equipment or for the purchase of adaptive equipment alone due to lack of eligibility based on the criteria set forth in the law.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected rheumatic fever residuals.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's coronary artery disease is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and heart disease, as well as his increased rating claims for diabetic neuropathy of the hands and feet, are all denied. The diabetes mellitus remains rated at 20 percent.

The veteran is found to be competent for VA purposes and does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board denied service connection for dysthymic disorder as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The rating for coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease was granted at a 10% level effective from September 30, 2003.

The Board found that the appellant does not have coronary artery disease (claimed as heart disease) related to his military service or his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis. The claim for an increased rating for pulmonary tuberculosis was also denied.

The veteran's hypertension with arteriosclerotic heart disease was not properly reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent from July 1, 2003, to January 19, 2005. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, and his coronary artery disease is currently rated at 30 percent. The veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied.

The veteran died from dementia and other conditions, but the service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service and post-service medical records, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if current disabilities are related to findings noted in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, heart disorders and hypertension, right eye disability (not established), and an increased evaluation for PTSD. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The veteran's service-connected hypertensive heart disease was rated at 30 percent from February 28, 2002 through July 7, 2005. From November 1, 2005 to the present, he is rated at 60 percent for his myocardial infarction and improved ejection fraction. The veteran's hypertension was also rated at 30 percent from January 1998 through February 2002.

The Board determined that the veteran's cause of death, congestive heart failure, was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability. The service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease, hypertension, and a bilateral leg disorder, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The appeals were based on secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for renal disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, reflux disease, and arthritis (except of the left leg) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disability and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident are not related to his active military service or his service-connected peripheral vascular disease of the feet. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD; hypertension; and coronary artery disease. The veteran's anxiety disorder was not linked to any in-service stressors or events. His hypertension and coronary artery disease were not found to be related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia and pain and numbness in the upper and lower extremities, secondary to service-connected disabilities of the spine were granted. His claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for hypertension was denied. The effective date for his award of a 100% disability rating for coronary artery disease was set at June 10, 2002. He also received a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's heart disease is related to service. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until after the requirements of this remand have been met.