Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2008

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that COPD, a condition secondary to nicotine dependence in service, was not the principal or contributory cause of death. The decision also noted that the appellant filed her claim after the June 9, 1998 change in law which bars claims based on tobacco use during service.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no new and material evidence. The veteran was not recognized as a former prisoner of war (POW).

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a heart disability examination and readjudication of the TDIU claim.

The veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, thus granting the claims for secondary service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The diagnoses of these conditions predated the onset of his diabetes, and there was no evidence to support a secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD is at least as likely as not a contributing factor to his hypertensive vascular disease, coronary artery disease and occlusive peripheral disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection. However, he was eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim, necessitating further development.

The veteran's heart disorder, including hypertension and ischemic heart disease, is being reviewed for secondary service connection to his nicotine dependence and COPD. The examiner will determine if these conditions are proximately caused or aggravated by the service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting a link between his current symptoms and service, including Gulf War exposure.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to incomplete examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disorder, including a post-myocardial infarction, is causally related to his military service and thus granted service connection for this condition. However, hypertension was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board finds that the veteran's current heart disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied service connection for a heart disorder. The issue of PTSD is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for an eye disorder, hypertension, and a higher rating for coronary artery disease. The Board found no current evidence of diabetic retinopathy or other diagnosed eye disorders related to service. Service connection was not granted as the claimed conditions were not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The conditions did not manifest in service or within one year thereafter, and there was no evidence of a causal relationship to service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's death to his service or any service-connected disability, including his residuals of left renal tuberculosis. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death was denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and organic heart disease post pacemaker implantation due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever and remanded the case to further develop evidence, including scheduling a VA examination.