Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and his claimed aortic stenosis. The case will be reviewed based on all evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining medical records. The issues of service connection for phlebitis and a rating in excess of 30 percent for arteriosclerotic heart disease are pending.

The Board has decided that the VA denied the appellant's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from April 19 to April 20, 2007. The decision is based on lack of evidence and failure to meet eligibility criteria under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person (A&A). The RO determined that she meets basic eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension but her income is in excess of the annual limit, thus denying SMP. The matter of whether she meets the income requirements for payment of VA pension benefits remains pending.

The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions or VA treatment. The Board denied the claims for service connection and VA benefits based on the cause of death.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease, resulting in a denial of these claims.

The Veteran's migraines and coronary artery disease (CAD) with ischemia were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's claimed renal, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and erectile dysfunction were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, post-CABG surgery, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it has not manifested by congestive heart failure or significant left ventricular dysfunction.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities, and these conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board found no evidence of a current heart disability related to service, including rheumatic fever and hypertension. The Veteran's current conditions were not shown to be aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder is related to his service-connected hypertension and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and sleep apnea, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected rheumatic heart disease. The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the lack of an opinion regarding aggravation by service-connected rheumatic heart disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dishonorable discharge from his period of service is a bar to VA benefits. The claims for service connection for coronary artery bypass grafting, hemorrhoids and lower bowel condition, and carpal tunnel syndrome with degenerative joint disease are denied as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and a disability affecting multiple joints, as secondary to his service-connected sarcoidosis. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for verification of the Veteran's service dates and a VA examination to determine if his heart disease is related to any confirmed period of active duty service or ACDUTRA.

The Board found no evidence of chronic heart disease or hypertension in service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection on a direct basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, while COPD and heart disease were not incurred or aggravated during service. The claim for service connection for COPD and heart disease is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure, to include as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, is being remanded due to uncertainty regarding the relationship between his pre-existing condition and his current diagnosis.