Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability is not related to service and did not proximately cause his myocardial infarction, which occurred eight days after a back surgery for degenerative changes of the low back.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease have resulted in a need for aid and attendance, as he requires assistance with mobility and daily activities due to his conditions. The RO has determined that these needs are not solely attributable to nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, macular degeneration, vertigo, and headaches.

The Board found that the Veteran's current coronary artery disease was not incurred or aggravated by his active military service, and is not related to his service-connected residuals of rheumatic fever. As a result, the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease secondary to service-connected residuals of rheumatic fever was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other causative factors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and liver damage secondary to hepatitis C, finding no new and material evidence submitted to reopen the CAD claim and concluding that there is no current diagnosis of a liver disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disease was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to March 16, 2006.

The Veteran's current valvular heart condition is being remanded for further examination and consideration due to the need for a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, specifically his treatment of gonorrhea in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The initial evaluations for diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity were denied.

The Veteran's current cardiac condition, including coronary artery disease (CAD), has been aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that the criteria for secondary service connection have been met.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for liver problems, a skin disability, and a musculoskeletal disability are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to active service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the PTSD did not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent, the hemorrhoids warranted no compensable evaluation, the heart condition was not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, hypertension was also not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and emphysema with COPD was not related to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any condition to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The underlying causes were not service-connected.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his heart condition was incurred or aggravated during service, and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the lack of Plavix(r) was a proximate cause of the Veteran's death and whether it was due to carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault. The case is being remanded for an opinion from a VA physician experienced in treating coronary artery disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder. The evidence showed current treatment for a heart disability but failed to show its presence in service or manifestation within one year of separation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for glaucoma and valvular heart disease has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to determine the Veteran's employability status for pension purposes.