Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Veteran's hearing loss is manifested by no more than level II hearing impairment in the right or left ear, resulting in a noncompensable disability evaluation. The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease was evaluated as 10 percent disabling based on his VA examination conducted in April 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability, including hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein. The VA examiner opined that CAD is less likely than not caused by or a result of his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is not due to his service-connected disabilities, but rather due to non-service-connected arthritis in the joints and muscle weakness from old age. Therefore, SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound is denied.

The Board has granted a 20% evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, the highest rating available under VA regulations. Service connection for a heart disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease with hypertension, sleep apnea, and chest masses, status post mastectomy are not related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denies the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his claims for service connection have not proceeded further.

The Veteran's kidney stones, right eye disability, elbow disability, periodontal disease, left hip degenerative joint disease, impingement syndrome of the left shoulder, CAD, PVD of the right subclavian artery, GERD, IBS, fracture of the left ankle, and hemorrhoids have been granted service connection. The Veteran is assigned a 20 percent initial rating for PVD of the right subclavian artery.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease and a sleep disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease have been evaluated at the maximum schedular ratings. The Board has determined that these conditions do not meet the criteria for a TDIU, as his combined rating is 40 percent, which does not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 60 percent, effective February 24, 2004. His claim for service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to his asthma has been granted.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is denied, and his increased rating claim for coronary artery disease is also denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the period beginning July 6, 2004 and ending March 15, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD was incurred in service and is granted. His alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disability, skin rash, heart disease, and respiratory condition are all found to be aggravated by service.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for bilateral hearing loss, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and neuropathy of the left upper extremity. The claim for special monthly pension was also withdrawn.,PTSD was not diagnosed in service or post-service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and single vessel coronary artery disease, status-post myocardial infarction, both of which were determined to be not related to his participation in Project 112 and SHAD testing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pain in major joints, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a heart disorder are denied as there is no competent medical evidence connecting these conditions to his active service or to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's heart disability is not deemed to be proximately caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.