Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2008

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his coronary artery disease. The issue remains on hold until further notice.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a kidney condition or diabetic renal insufficiency, and his impotency is not service-connected.,Service connection for hypertension, heart condition, and eye conditions are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, dyslipidemia claimed as a heart condition, and right ankle disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received after a previous SSOC. The issues of service connection for PTSD and heart disorder are inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.

The veteran's death was caused by multiple conditions, including congestive heart failure, colon cancer, atherosclerotic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus. However, the Board finds that the requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are not met due to the absence of a total service-connected disability rating.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or significantly contribute to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board granted service connection for the claimed conditions and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance due to diabetes mellitus. Accrued benefits were not payable.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease and a history of ulcers was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7346. Additionally, service connection for a heart condition secondary to the service-connected hiatal hernia was also denied as there is no evidence showing it is proximately due to or aggravated by the service-connected hiatal hernia.

The veteran's hospitalization from August 23, 2004 to September 15, 2004 was not for a service-connected disability and therefore the temporary total evaluation claim is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease with left ventricular hypertrophy does not warrant a higher rating than 30 percent.

The veteran's combined disability rating was at least 60% since January 1995, qualifying him for retroactive payment of benefits for a dependent spouse. The RO's decision in April 2002 did not finalize the determination to pay the veteran as a single person with no dependents.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and it may not be presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the record.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for left inguinal hernia, service connection for residuals of a spinal injury, heart disorder, and hypertension. The veteran's left inguinal hernia was not recurrent or readily reducible, thus not meeting the criteria for a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 7338.

The veteran's non-service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance. However, he meets the requirements for housebound status due to his age and multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and bronchitis. The evidence did not show a current diagnosis of any of these conditions or a causal link to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's diagnosed coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The Board also noted that there is no direct evidence linking the current condition to service, nor can it be attributed to a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's spouse requires regular aid and attendance due to her multiple physical conditions, including osteoarthritis and statis myositis. The evidence supports this finding based on medical statements and testimony from the veteran and his grandson.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of corroborated stressor. The claims for coronary artery disease and hypertension were granted, but the veteran is still seeking a higher rating. His TDIU claim remains pending as his psychiatric disabilities may impact his employability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension and heart disease, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The respiratory disorder was also not shown to be related to service. Hearing loss and tinnitus were not found to have been incurred during service.