Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2007

The Board has found that the veteran does not have coronary artery disease associated with his period of service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The most probative medical opinion attributes the heart disability to another condition (diabetes mellitus), rather than PTSD.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, coronary artery disease, malaria, arthritis, rheumatism, varicose veins, and prostate cancer as there is no medical evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease with congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and benign prostatic hypertrophy as secondary to his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss and granted a 10 percent rating for bilateral tinnitus. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for tinnitus, otitis media, and post-concussion headaches have been set at January 19, 2001.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a heart disability, as well as the reopening of the claim for hypertension. The veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing current disabilities or a link to service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board is considering whether new evidence has been submitted to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection of heart disease, including rheumatic heart disease. The veteran's request for a videoconference hearing is granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless that he requires regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, hypertensive vascular disease, and depression. The evidence does not establish a causal link between any of these conditions and the veteran's active military service.,There is no medical evidence showing that the veteran had any cardiovascular or psychiatric disorders during his active duty or within one year post-service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's coronary artery disease, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting a comprehensive VA examination. The current 30 percent evaluation for this condition will remain in effect until further notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for type I diabetes (claimed as Type II) and secondary service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, and renal insufficiency. The evidence did not support a direct or presumptive link to service.

The Board found that the veteran's atherosclerotic heart disease and hypertension are not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claims for direct service connection.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to new evidence linking it to his service-connected PTSD. The claim of arteriosclerotic heart disease is denied as there is no diagnosis of this condition in the record. The initial disability ratings for residuals of a stroke involving left lower and upper extremities are also denied.

The Board has determined that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the veteran's cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, is related to his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection for cardiovascular disease is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and other conditions on a presumptive basis as former POW's. The effective date is May 25, 2007.

The veteran has submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claims for asthma and arteriosclerotic heart disease with myocardial infarction.,Service connection remains denied as the evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship between the veteran's service-connected bilateral leg disabilities and his current heart condition, as well as whether the veteran's hypertensive cardiomyopathy is etiologically related to those disabilities.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as his disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.