Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected diverticulitis is not shown to be productive of more than severe disablement manifested by diarrhea and constipation with constant abdominal distress, but did not address his heart disorder claim. The decision on the heart disorder issue remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination and further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the veteran's coronary artery disease and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA medical records and providing additional VCAA notice.

The Board found that the cause of death, ventricular fibrillation due to or as a consequence of coronary artery disease, was not caused by or aggravated by any service-connected disability. The veteran's service-connected rheumatic valvulitis did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board found no evidence of heart disease during the veteran's service and concluded that it is not related to his military service. The current heart disability was diagnosed after separation from service.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an ocular disability and denied service connection for cardiovascular complications (including coronary artery disease and hypertension) as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The claim is being remanded for further development regarding the relationship between the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and his cardiovascular disabilities.

The veteran's increased rating claims for diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), rhinophyma, amputation of the left great toe, fracture of the right mandible, chip fractures of the ring and middle fingers, and compound fractures of the lower third of the right tibia and fibula were pending at his death. The claims are denied as there is no evidence to warrant an increased rating for any condition.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. The veteran's in-service stressors have been verified, and he is diagnosed with PTSD. His claims for secondary service connection for CAD and hypertension are addressed in a separate remand.

The veteran's service-connected valvular heart disease did not render him unemployable prior to January 3, 2002. The Board denied a TDIU rating for this period.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death before a decision could be made.

The veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, and bilateral peripheral vascular disease are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a heart disorder, diagnosed as hypertensive heart disease. The veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is found to have manifested within one year of his separation from service, while the heart disorder is secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's heart disease is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, is not service-connected. Essential hypertension and coronary artery disease are also not service-connected, but are found to be related to diabetes mellitus. Erectile dysfunction is not service-connected, but is considered proximately due to diabetes mellitus. Chronic tinnitus is service-connected as a complication of hearing loss.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, chronic bronchitis, cancer of the stomach, and a heart condition due to the prohibition on service connection for disabilities resulting from the use of tobacco products.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA medical expert opinion to determine if service-connected conditions contributed to the veteran's death.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus, service connection for hypertension and heart condition, as well as elevated liver enzymes are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy. The veteran's dysthymic disorder is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected diabetes. TDIU remains pending.