Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The Board found no current diagnosis of a distinct heart disability other than hypertension, and thus denied the claim for service connection for heart disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, hypertension, bilateral lung disability, skin disability, and impotence. The appeals were based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, coronary artery disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia, gastritis, and duodenitis were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The disabilities are considered to be unrelated to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD likely contributed to his subsequent heart attacks and strokes, which were significant factors in his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete verification of service and possible SSA records.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected traumatic encephalopathy with related mental impairment caused him to increase his smoking, which led to atherosclerotic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Board concluded that this contributed substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sick sinus syndrome, bradycardia, and a heart condition. The evidence does not support a link between these conditions and his in-service treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is rated at 60 percent, and the Board denied an increased evaluation. The Veteran also claimed for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person, but this claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and needs to request additional records from the JSRRC.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder, claimed as hypertensive heart disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and is not proximately due to a service-connected disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and asthma are not related to service exposure to asbestos, and his heart disease and hypertension are not related to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and visual problems, as secondary to DM. The issues were related to whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by DM.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure, and the remaining issues on appeal will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and peptic ulcer disease were not found to warrant increased ratings for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence showing a link between any service-connected disability and the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and coronary artery disease, both secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder, are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, and coronary artery disease with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were denied. The Veteran's mood disorder claim is remanded to the RO.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, variously claimed as bipolar disorder; hypertension and coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability and granted service connection for cardiovascular, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.