Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease was denied in a June 1971 rating decision. The effective date of the grant of service connection, which occurred on December 9, 2004, is the earliest possible date based on when the Veteran filed to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded due to the need for current evaluations of his disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected tinea versicolor has been found to be the primary cause of his acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. His right wrist fracture is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for syphilis and heart disease, status-post coronary artery bypass graft and thoracic aortic aneurysm, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining private treatment records and SSA records. A VA examination is also needed to determine if these conditions are related to service or any in-service venereal disease.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for the award of a total rating for PTSD and for service connection for coronary artery disease. The original ratings were assigned in December 2002 and November 2003, respectively, and are considered final.,The Veteran's claims for these earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to lack of legal entitlement.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board also noted that the claim seeking service connection for elevated liver enzymes was not properly addressed due to a lack of proper notification.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, heart condition (atriial fibrillation), bilateral hearing loss, and loss of bone from the jaw are all service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 10, 2001, for service connection of coronary artery disease was dismissed as the appeal is not about a change in the determination of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the July 2009 VA examination report regarding the etiology of the Veteran's heart condition. The claim will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's schedular guidelines.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain relevant medical records from Fort Knox Base Hospital and other potential sources of treatment during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The heart disability issue is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 30 percent prior to April 28, 2010. Beginning on that date, the VA determined a rating of 60 percent is warranted for his condition based on his limited physical capacity during exercise testing. The lung disability claim was denied as secondary service connection is prohibited by law.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is found to have aggravated his non-service connected heart condition, contributing to his death. Service connection for the cause of his death is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever, including heart disease. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis, heart disease, and hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension were denied as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability, including myocardial infraction and coronary artery disease, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death was substantially or materially related to service, and granted service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and heart disease to provide him with a VA examination and opinion regarding whether he had these conditions prior to service, if they were caused or aggravated by service, and if any current disabilities are related to service-connected conditions.