Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Korea, which could affect his claims for diabetes mellitus and related conditions.

The Veteran's death was attributed to cardiopulmonary arrest due to or as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease. The appellant contends that PTSD contributed to these conditions, but the VA examiner found no causal relationship between PTSD and the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for heart disease, but denied secondary service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The case is remanded to the RO.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 5, 1998 for the grant of service connection for rheumatic heart disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for heart disease, finding that the new evidence submitted does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a new VA examination to determine if the appellant's coronary artery disease is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current hypertension and coronary artery disease and his military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. Service connection will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and a heart disorder, including coronary artery disease following bypass graft surgery, are being reviewed.

The Veteran's death was not due to service or a service-connected disability, and thus no child or surviving spouse is eligible for DEA benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart problems, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and atherosclerotic heart disease, as well as bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease rated at 100 percent disabling, meet the criteria for special monthly pension at the housebound rate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder DJD and heart condition are both service-connected. The right shoulder DJD is considered incurred in service, while the heart condition may not be presumed to have been incurred due to military service.

The Board is reopening the low back disorder claim and remanding both the low back disorder and cardiovascular service connection claims for further development. The Veteran's current disorders are being considered on a direct basis due to his alleged contact with chemical agents, oil well fires, and smoke during his service in the Persian Gulf.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for chest pain (also claimed as coronary artery disease) and continued a 10 percent disability rating for hypertension. The new evidence received since the June 1999 denial did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for a heart disability. However, it was not able to establish that the Veteran's current heart condition is related to his period of active service or any disease or injury incurred during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertensive heart disease and left ventricular hypertrophy are related to his service, including the myocardial infarction he suffered in January 1990 during inactive duty for training.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his aspiration pneumonia, which is considered a contributory cause of death. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the aspiration pneumonia contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.