Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disorder, including congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and ischemic heart disease were denied. His claim for an initial higher rating for diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease, hypertension, and coronary artery disease did not manifest during his military service or were not aggravated by any period of active duty for training. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for a heart disability secondary to PTSD and an increased rating for PTSD. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations, and readjudicating the issues.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses of beriberi heart disease and coronary artery disease are not service-connected as they did not arise during his military service or within a year thereafter.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment on June 15, 2007 were reimbursed due to a sudden and unexpected medical emergency. The reimbursement was denied for the period from June 16 to June 24, 2007 as no prior authorization was provided by VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the relationship between his cardiovascular complaints and active duty service or ACDUTRA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disorder, other than tinea pedis, is related to her military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for lupus, residuals of lung disease to include COPD, and heart disease. The appellant's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection as there is no evidence relating these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have claims pending at the time of his death for service connection for heart disease and pulmonary disease, both claimed as secondary to a right kidney nephrectomy. Therefore, accrued benefits cannot be granted.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease with angina-pectoris and myocardial infarction is not manifested by chronic congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent, which would warrant a higher evaluation. The current 60 percent rating adequately reflects the Veteran's disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a valvular heart disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to determine if his current condition is related to any documented heart conditions from 1977.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder due to conflicting medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board is accepting the Veteran's November 2009 VA Form 9 as a substantive appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for GAD. The claim will be remanded to readjudicate the issue and any other claims, including reopening the previously denied heart disorder claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's heart disease had its onset in service or was aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and cervical spine disorder, finding no evidence of such disorders in service or due to service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's heart disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it secondary to a service-connected condition. The preponderance of evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including congestive heart condition, left foot amputation, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and amoebic abscess of the liver.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for a VA medical opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disability contributed to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for atherosclerotic heart disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. The initial rating of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus is also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, type II, coronary artery disease, and skin cancer are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. Therefore, these claims for service connection were denied.