Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including scoliosis, left leg length discrepancy, bronchitis with reactive airway disease (asthma), and coronary artery disease (CAD) are not related to his military service. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for MGUS, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and coronary artery disease. The evidence did not show a nexus between these conditions and active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability, including aortic insufficiency, was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, as evidenced by medical records showing no significant exacerbation of PTSD just prior to his death and no mention of PTSD as a contributing factor to his deteriorating cardiovascular situation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for proper notice regarding claims to reopen and establishing service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and gastrointestinal cancer. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for syncope, anxiety neurosis, PTSD, inner ear infections, cardiovascular disease (including as secondary to PTSD), and bilateral eye condition (cataracts). The reasons were that no new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for vasovagal episodes and anxiety reaction. The Board also found that there is no link between current conditions and service.

The Board is remanding the case to develop evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, including his exposure to asbestos and any other substances or chemicals during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and the relationship between his heart disability and any medication he may be taking for PTSD.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his non-service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for both the service connection and disability rating for his heart disease have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication, including providing VCAA notice regarding DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, clarifying whether the Veteran's service-connected back disability contributed to his death, and developing evidence related to the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for increased ratings were not substantiated by the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of service periods and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current heart disorder found on examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, right knee and shoulder disabilities, and lumbar spine condition, are not related to his active service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a heart disability, which he asserts is related to his military service. The VA has not yet provided an adequate examination or obtained all relevant medical records to determine the nature and etiology of his current cardiological disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disease, including arteriosclerotic heart disease with pacemaker implantation, did not result from service or any related conditions. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his desire to drop the appeal and accept the current rating of 60 percent for arteriosclerotic heart disease and myocardial damage with hypertension.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for depression and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for arthrosclerosis were denied in an October 2004 rating decision, and the appeal was not timely filed.