Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2007

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, a heart disorder, and PTSD all secondary to exposure during Project 112. The case has been remanded due to the need for further examination in accordance with VHA Directive 2004-016.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have asbestosis, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claims of secondary service connection for hypertension and heart disease are remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The veteran's claim for earlier effective dates and a total rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to the need for VCAA compliance.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a more comprehensive medical opinion from the VA examiner and ensuring proper VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to by, a disability incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of death and for dependent's educational benefits were denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus did not cause or contribute to his death, and there is no evidence of a causal relationship between his military service and his arteriosclerotic heart disease. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a heart disorder that is secondary to his anxiety disorder. The case has been remanded due to the need for clarification of the type of hearing requested and scheduling such a hearing.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The initial compensable rating claim was also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease and lung disease, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, kidney condition, and congenital camptodactyly of the right hand. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but his TDIU and tinnitus claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the veteran's diabetes preceded his coronary artery disease and whether this relationship is related to his service-connected diabetes.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right knee and ankle disabilities were denied. The initial disability evaluation for non-obstructive coronary artery disease with hypertension and history of PVC's was granted at 30 percent, but the veteran is seeking a higher rating.

The veteran's heart disorder and skin cancer were not found to be related to service or exposure, respectively. The veteran's PTSD was granted but the initial 50% rating is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cataracts, coronary artery disease, PTB, and bronchitis due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found 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 veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 24, 2004, for the 100 percent rating for rheumatic heart disease with mitral valve replacement was granted. The earliest date of entitlement is November 25, 2002.

The veteran's heart disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not presumed to have been so incurred.,Between October 2, 1998 and November 14, 2005, the residuals of his lumbosacral strain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. After November 15, 2005, he was granted a 40 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities and thus, is not entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.