Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed migraines, as well as whether any current migraine disability or medication taken for it proximately caused or aggravated coronary artery disease. The case will be remanded for these examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding that arthritis of the neck, hypertension, and a heart disability were not incurred during or related to his active duty service. The Veteran's PTSD was found to have caused occupational impairment but not to a degree warranting an initial rating in excess of 30 percent. His right shoulder degenerative joint disease did not meet criteria for an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent assigned. Finally, there were no issues regarding TDIU.

The Veteran died due to cardiovascular diseases, but there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any exposure to radiation. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected peripheral vascular disease, which is linked to his inservice cold injury, contributed substantially or materially to cause his death from coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for CAD and HTN were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a direct link between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses is being remanded due to the need to determine his eligibility under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 and whether a VA facility was capable of accepting him.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disability and his attempt to reopen his claim for coronary artery disease, post myocardial infarction. The Board found that the Veteran's current back condition is not related to service and concluded that there was no evidence linking his current coronary artery disease to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and a heart disorder, as well as the reopening of the bilateral foot disorder claim. The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee. The issues of service connection for depression and coronary artery disease with history of myocardial infarction are also addressed, but not decided on this remand.

The Veteran's skin rash claim is withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be established. Service connection for PTSD has been granted but an increased rating remains denied.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have service connection for any of his claimed conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease with carotid stenosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), and renal insufficiency, as they are not shown to be related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of a cardiovascular disorder, other than hypertension with secondary peripheral vascular disease of the left leg and amputation of the right lower extremity. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits information.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of scheduled hearing and additional evidence needs to be reviewed. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The case is being remanded for the Veteran to be provided an opportunity to appoint a representative and for the claims folder to be forwarded to that representative.

The Board found no evidence of coronary artery disease in service or thereafter, and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The issue regarding reopening his claim for osteoarthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine was not addressed as it is a separate matter.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and coronary artery disease, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service or any service-connected disability.