Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, respiratory disorders, loss of teeth, and squamous cell carcinoma. The appeals were based on new evidence that reopened previously denied claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 5, 2001 for the grant of service connection for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart condition, pulmonary condition, and psychiatric disorder as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim due to a lack of VCAA notice and because there are inconsistencies in the veteran's claims regarding her heart condition.

The Board found that the veteran's cause of death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including his PTSD. The evidence did not establish a clear causal relationship between the veteran's service-connected PTSD and his cardiovascular disease.

The veteran's claim for service connection for his health conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its related complications, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for initial consideration.

The veteran does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for enrollment in VA's healthcare system due to lack of service-connected disabilities and income above the threshold.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case on the earlier effective date claim.

The veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, right foot arthritis (metatarsal bones), and throat cancer are denied. Service connection is granted for right foot arthritis (metatarsal bones). The veteran's heart disease claim remains unresolved.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder to include asthma and COPD, as well as a heart disability. The veteran's tinnitus was rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.

The Board found that hypertension and coronary artery disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and are not proximately due to the veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. As such, these conditions have been granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for hypertensive heart disease with left ventricular hypertrophy was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was also denied, as there is no evidence that it first manifested during service or is related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease is related to his service-connected PTSD and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and an increased rating for instability, residual of a left knee injury. The Board found that CAD was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not secondary to his service-connected back condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his PTSD and chronic renal failure service connection claims, as well as his claims for dyspnea, respiratory disability, and heart condition. The decision also found that he did not have a respiratory disability or heart condition.

The veteran died of multi-system organ failure, due to coronary artery disease and other conditions. The Board found no service connection for the cause of death and denied the claim for DEA benefits.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including visual impairment, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cataracts, glaucoma, and a bladder growth are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hepatitis C, residuals of rheumatic fever, depression, PTSD, or chronic alcoholism that are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a scar on the left great toe, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The veteran is seeking increased ratings for hypertension and coronary artery disease.