Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The Veteran is granted entitlement to payment or reimbursement for services performed in May 2007 on the air conditioning system of his 2000 Chevrolet Impala, as these services were deemed necessary due to a leak and required repair.

The Board found that the effective date of January 31, 2008 is the earliest effective date assignable for service connection for aortic valve disease and coronary artery disease as it was more than one year after the Veteran's separation from service in 1969.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and clarifying whether he desires a hearing on the issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of a pre-existing heart condition in service and concluded that the Veteran's current arteriosclerotic heart disease is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart condition is not related to his military service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the June 4, 1985 rating decision did not contain CUE in assigning an initial noncompensable disability rating for residuals of a left tibial fracture with osteoarthritic changes and chronic chondromalacia of the knee. The denial was based on the evidence showing no functional limitations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, and a low back disorder. The Veteran did not provide competent evidence of current disabilities or link these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity were denied by the Board. The case is being remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Joseph's Hospital is denied as the closest VA facility was available and he could have been safely transferred to a VA facility.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, impotency, and skin rash.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another, as well as housebound status, is being remanded due to incomplete evidence. The Board will attempt to obtain updated VA treatment records and private medical records to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for these benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and multiple diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, are considered in determining his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The RO must obtain a supplemental opinion on this issue.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, peripheral vascular disease of the left lower extremity, and peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity. The Veteran's disabilities are found to be proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an examination regarding the Veteran's seizure disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for rheumatic fever with heart condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's heart disability and diabetes mellitus are currently rated, but the Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on current medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and CAD, finding no evidence of a current disability present in service or within one year after separation. The Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed heart murmur or residuals of pre-service rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which was diagnosed posthumously. The cause of death listed on his death certificate is 'unknown natural causes,' but it is believed to be related to his service-connected PTSD.