Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary heart disease is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants this claim. The issue of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied as the evidence does not support a link between his claimed conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current cardiomyopathy with atrial fibrillation or hypertension, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease, including his post-CABG condition, was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to any in-service event. As a result, the claim for accrued benefits purposes is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's service as a POW, and further development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, diagnosed as sick sinus syndrome, was incurred during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression with psychosis and diabetes mellitus, have significantly impaired his ability to move around. As a result, he is eligible for specially adapted housing assistance but not for a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been submitted. The issues are whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claims of hypertension with postoperative residuals of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, as well as kidney disease including nephropathy, both claimed as secondary to service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus, and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus, which is presumed due to his service in Vietnam and herbicide exposure, contributed to his death from coronary artery disease. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's heart disease and high cholesterol are not service-connected. The claim to reopen the hypertension claim is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hemiplegia, a disability manifested by breathing problems, and a heart disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's CAD, to include heart disease, is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. The claim for secondary service connection has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, arthritis, hypertension, and arteriosclerotic heart disease and/or congestive heart failure are proximately due to his service-connected bronchial asthma. The disability ratings for these conditions remain unchanged as they were already in place prior to this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic heart disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and address the Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease is due to his service-connected hypertension, and the Board finds that it is reasonable to conclude that the Veteran's skin disability may also be related to diabetes. Service connection for both conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have caused or aggravated his coronary artery disease. Service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, ED, right eye cataract, CAD, a busted eardrum with nerve damage, and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The appeals were based on direct service connection rather than due to herbicide exposure or secondary to another condition.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability evaluation for scar, left thigh and service connection for heart disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as his conditions do not warrant such benefits.