Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder is not related to his service, and specifically denied secondary service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension are not rated higher than the current 30 percent for the periods prior to November 7, 2005, from January 1, 2006 through July 14, 2008, and from September 1, 2008 through April 10, 2009. The Veteran's depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, right inguinal orchiectomy, and heart disease have all been granted.

The Veteran's death was caused by a service-connected heart disability, and the appellant is eligible for Dependent's Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's coronary artery disease is found to be aggravated by his service-connected diabetes, while his hypertension is not related to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.,With respect to the coronary artery disease claim, multiple medical opinions indicate that the Veteran's pre-existing extensive coronary artery disease was likely made worse by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. However, for the hypertension claim, there are conflicting opinions indicating it may not be related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disorder has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the cause of death, and thus denied all claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease and lumbosacral disability, including DDD. The Veteran's heart disease is not considered to be related to his military service or a service-connected condition. For the lumbosacral disability, there is no evidence of chronic disability within one year post-service discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed cardiovascular disease with left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery disease is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe as to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, particularly preventing him from performing the physical acts necessary to engage in employment suitable to his education level and specialized training.

The Board finds that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made regarding the Veteran's claim for TDIU. The case is REMANDED to obtain information related to the Veteran's Social Security claim and financial status, as well as clarify whether the Veteran still desires a hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cardiovascular disorder, specifically coronary artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's PTSD aggravated these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertensive arteriosclerotic heart disease with evidence of coronary artery disease was not found to meet the criteria for an evaluation greater than 30 percent prior to July 29, 2009.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for spondylosis, L5-S1 and service connection for sleep apnea were granted. The Veteran was assigned a maximum schedular rating (100%) for residuals of concussion with headaches.

The Board finds that the Veteran's carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease are service connected on a secondary basis due to aggravation by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are denied, but the issues of entitlement to service connection for COPD, a heart disorder, and an aneurysm remain pending before the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including type II diabetes mellitus and heart disability, were denied as the evidence did not show a link to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for heart disease and PTSD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease on the basis that it is aggravated by a service-connected disability (diabetes mellitus).