Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Veteran is granted special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to multiple service-connected disabilities. However, he does not qualify for housebound benefits as his combined disability rating exceeds 60%.

The Veteran was granted service connection for vascular disease, but denied service connection for heart disease. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension is denied.,An effective date earlier than April 19, 2004 for the award of a total rating based on individual unemployability is barred due to the one year rule.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 100 percent for arteriosclerotic heart disease, effective from the date service connection was established (May 8, 2001). The appellant's condition is characterized by chronic congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for service-connected left ear hearing loss was denied. His valvular heart disease claim was also denied as there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, heart condition, neuropathy of the lower extremities, arthritis of the right leg and arthritis of the back, all related to exposure to herbicide. The decision also noted that sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has decided that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a heart condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of hiatal hernia and coronary artery disease have been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing these issues as the appellant has requested withdrawal.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is one of the causes of his coronary artery disease, and thus grants service connection for heart disease secondary to PTSD.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to his death while the appeal was pending before the Court.

The Board has remanded the case to consider the merits of the accrued benefits claim, including service connection for a lung disorder and osteoarthritis as well as a request to reopen a claim for service connection for a heart condition.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Veteran's conditions are service-connected, but the evidence does not show he is in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by active service and there was no evidence of herbicide exposure. The Veteran's disorders are presumed to be due to his military service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate compliance with previous instructions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for hypertension and TDIU have been withdrawn. As a result, the claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The RO granted service connection for this condition and assigned a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability is related to service and has granted service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus, Chloracne, and Coronary artery disease are all found to be related to his military service. The Board granted the claims for these conditions.