Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is not related to his military service, including not caused or made permanently worse by his type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart murmur and occluded anterior descending coronary artery due to exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded for additional development, including an examination to determine the etiology of his current conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, combined at 90%, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by coronary artery disease, which is service-connected. The claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from coronary artery disease and COPD. The VA examiner opined that lack of exercise was not a significant factor in causing the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, and for earlier effective dates for service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as a TDIU.

The VA determined that the Veteran does not have current residuals of an infection or unspecified heart disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions to determine if the Veteran's current genitourinary and cardiovascular conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and heart disability, finding no evidence of such conditions during service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by exposure to ionizing radiation during his service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if his heart disorder underwent a permanent increase in severity during service and whether such increase was due to the natural progression of the disease. The Veteran should also be provided with notice on the evidence required to substantiate a claim based on aggravation.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease are related to service. The case is also remanded for further development regarding bilateral below the knee amputations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disability rating for status post aortic valve replacement with history of rheumatic heart disease should be reduced from 100% to 10%, effective February 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from coronary artery disease, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's kidney disorder, arteriosclerotic heart disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bronchial asthma, and residuals of a left breast shrapnel wound are not service-connected. The claims for these conditions were denied due to lack of evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and there is no evidence of fault on the part of VA in diagnosing or treating him. The cause of death was unrelated to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a nervous disorder and heart disease. The claim for a nervous disorder was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted, while the claim for heart disease was denied due to lack of competent medical evidence establishing the disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravated his coronary artery disease, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's skin condition and cardiac disability were not incurred or aggravated during service, and the Board finds that VA has complied with the VCAA's notification and assistance requirements.