Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for multifocal premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), claimed as heart disease, finding that no new and material evidence had been received.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a radiation dose assessment and seeking medical opinion regarding the relationship between his hypothyroidism and service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and heart disease were both pre-existing conditions that did not become manifest during service or within one year of separation. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's current coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service, and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need of regular aid and attendance is granted, as he meets the criteria due to his disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction. The case is remanded to determine if there is a link between any diagnosed psychiatric disability and in-service stressors, including those related to combat events in Vietnam.

The Veteran's cold injuries to the hands and feet, as well as his hypertension, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease status post stent placement and angioplasty, were all found to be related to service. The Board granted these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the appellant's claimed conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected polio and post-polio syndrome (PPS). As a result, these conditions have been granted as secondary to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's weak heart during service is considered the cause of his death due to chronic renal failure, myocardial infarction, and arteriosclerotic heart disease. The Board finds that this condition qualifies as a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current heart conditions, other than prolapsed mitral valve, are not related to his service, specifically rheumatic fever. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's coronary artery disease or hypertension is due to his in-service rheumatic fever.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The issue of a rating in excess of 50 percent for an anxiety disorder with dysthymia remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disability, including hypertension, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability and remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a heart disability as secondary to PTSD and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD, including manifestations of a heart condition.

The Board finds that the appellant's current heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy, are not related to his service or any other relevant factors. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and high frequency hearing loss of the left ear were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an eye condition, tinnitus, and hearing loss of the left ear. The Veteran was not granted service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development of evidence, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and ensuring proper consideration of all additional evidence received since the most recent statement of the case.