Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease with hypertension, angina and history of chronic nephritis was granted a 60 percent rating effective September 5, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for all issues prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is found to be causally related to his service-connected systemic lupus erythematosus, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, arteriosclerotic heart disease, was not caused by or related to his service or a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claims for service connection for chronic ischemic heart disease and degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as hypertension secondary to diabetes. He also seeks service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes, and chloracne secondary to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection for degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as hypertension secondary to diabetes. He also seeks service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes, and chloracne secondary to herbicide exposure.,,,The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD based on in-service stressors, but his claim has not been verified by the U.S. Army and Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC).,The Veteran is seeking service connection for chloracne secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's condition had stabilized by November 5, 2005 and VA facilities were feasibly available for care. Therefore, reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from November 5 to 8, 2005 was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an updated VA examination and additional medical evidence. The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis is being evaluated for a disability evaluation greater than 30 percent.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluation, service connection for heart disorder, vaginal intraepithelial neoplasm, arthritis due to anthrax vaccination, migraine headaches and chronic disability causing swollen lymph glands, swollen gums and sores in mouth. The decision is final as it pertained to a preexisting condition that was not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on unemployability. The case is REMANDED to obtain an opinion regarding whether he is capable of securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no evidence of a current heart condition or dental condition, and the VA examiner did not find any connection between the service-connected diabetes and these conditions. Therefore, the Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Board found that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to her mobility and independence.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the evidence does not support any other theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type 2 and its secondary effects on other conditions, were denied as there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or direct service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for deterioration of tissue surrounding bone joints including bilateral shoulders, hips, elbows and knees. The remaining issues are related to secondary service connection based on in-service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension with coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease did not have its onset during service or within one year of separation, are not etiologically related to his active service, and were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart condition, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran was granted service connection for left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with noncompensable evaluations effective February 28, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected cardiomyopathy with arteriosclerotic heart disease has been rated at 60 percent since January 31, 2008. The Veteran is denied a higher rating for this condition and a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease, which caused his death, is likely due to a condition that began during his service in World War II. The Board also found that the service-connected PTSD did not contribute substantially or materially to the cause of death.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 and DIC, finding that there was no evidence of negligence or fault on VA's part in the placement of a VVI pacemaker.