Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2008

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his atherosclerotic heart disease and hypertensive vascular disease are related to service. The appellant's claim was reopened due to new evidence received since the September 2001 denial.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic hypertension, a chronic heart disorder, and chronic cold injury residuals were denied as there was no evidence of these conditions during or after active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for epidermoid carcinoma of the base of the tongue, scar tissue around neck artery and residuals of a stroke as secondary to treatment for cancer of the base of the tongue, respiratory disorder including COPD, and heart disorder including pacemaker implantation and hypertension. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were related to service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of TDIU is being remanded to allow the Director of Compensation and Pension Service to consider extra-schedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's coronary artery disease, specifically whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD or duodenal ulcer symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a TDIU rating is denied as his claims for service connection for hypertension and hypertensive heart disease were not perfected until March 2, 2004.

The Board has determined that a new VA opinion is needed to address whether the veteran's service-connected rheumatic heart disease or rheumatic fever aggravated his coronary artery disease, leading to his death. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board found no evidence of a heart disability, sleep apnea, or allergies that were caused or aggravated by service. The veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The VA performed an angioplasty on the veteran's right coronary artery in January 2002, which resulted in additional disability. However, the evidence does not support a finding of fault or negligence by VA.

The veteran's coronary artery disease resulted in a 30 percent rating prior to September 22, 2006 and was increased to 60 percent effective from that date.,For the period before September 22, 2006, there is no evidence of congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 percent or less. For the period beginning on September 22, 2006, the veteran's coronary artery disease does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease and a respiratory disorder, both claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The veteran's service records did not show any evidence of such conditions during or after his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection of his coronary heart disease, finding that it is not due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension (claimed as heart/artery, heat stroke) on the grounds of no new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing and further development. The veteran is seeking service connection for coronary artery disease, numbness of the left upper extremity, and neuropathy of the lower extremities, all claimed as due to burn pit exposure.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to outstanding medical records and further evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine whether the veteran's quadriplegia and other disabilities are related to a December 2002 VA cervical spine tumor resection surgery, including issues of informed consent and negligence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the service-connected bilateral varicose veins contributed to the veteran's death from coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized ambulance transportation provided by non-VA facilities on July 11, 2004 and July 15, 2004 due to treatment of a service-connected disability (coronary artery disease). The decision is based on the fact that VA did not provide prior authorization for these services.