Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2007

The veteran's single permanent disability (schizophrenic reaction) is rated at 100%. His other disabilities, when combined, are rated at 60%, which does not meet the requirement for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound rate.

The veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation of type II diabetes mellitus and service connection for a heart disorder and COPD have been dismissed due to the veteran withdrawing his appeal regarding these issues prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and hypertension, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The Board also found that there was no link between these conditions and military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for PTSD and a heart condition cannot be granted as there is no credible evidence to support the occurrence of the claimed stressors or service connection, respectively.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disease as secondary to his service-connected anxiety reaction, as well as his increased ratings for gunshot wound residuals and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The denial was based on the veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current heart disability and therefore, service connection is denied.

The veteran's death was not due to service-connected disabilities, and he did not meet the threshold criteria for DEA benefits.

The veteran's heart disorder is not shown by medical evidence to be a current disability, and the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of his treatment records.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's representative before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current heart disorder and finds no evidence of an in-service injury or disease affecting the heart. As such, service connection for a heart disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease, with a history of myocardial infarctions, angioplasty, and stents, is secondary to radiation therapy for service-connected Hodgkin's disease.

The veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic heart disease, which is a presumptively service-connected condition for former POWs. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disease, liver disability, and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The veteran does not currently have PTSD.

The veteran died in April 2003 due to cardio-respiratory arrest secondary to service-incurred hypertensive heart disease. The appellant's claim for DIC benefits was received within one year of the veteran's death, and therefore, the effective date is set at May 1, 2003.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including sending the veteran a VCAA notice letter addressing both direct service connection and secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus cannot be granted service connection on a secondary basis. The claim is denied.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility is denied as there was no authorization or preapproval by VA for the treatment.

The Board finds that the veteran's Graves' disease, which manifested during his service and is now diagnosed, was incurred in service. The benefit of doubt has been resolved in favor of the veteran.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy is currently rated at 60 percent, effective from November 1992. The initial increased rating for CAD and the increase in the effective date of service connection are granted.