Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and lumbar spine spondylolisthesis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his Type II diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time since the effective date of his awards.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for muscle contraction headaches was granted.

The Veteran's cause of death (cardiopulmonary arrest, respiratory failure, organic heart disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, and renal failure) was not related to his service or any event therein. The appellant did not file a timely claim for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have effectively precluded locomotion without the aid of a cane or motorized wheelchair, meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Board denied service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, finding that the condition was not incurred or aggravated during active duty and did not manifest within one year of discharge. The Veteran's hypertension was initially diagnosed after his periods of active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for his heart disability, finding that it was not incurred during active duty and did not have a nexus to any period of inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected hemorrhoids, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board denied both claims: recognition as a POW and service connection for the cause of death. The appellant's contentions were not supported by credible evidence.

The Board has found that additional development of the evidence is required, including obtaining a re-enlistment examination report and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current heart disorder. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board denied service connection for a heart condition and arthritis of the bilateral feet, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's skin disability, identified as porphyria cutanea tarda, was found to be incurred in service. The Board also granted service connection for a heart disability (arteriosclerotic heart disease) and soft tissue sarcoma based on new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran claims he developed heart disease due to treatment at a VA facility. The Board has remanded the case for further review by a cardiologist and determination of whether his cardiovascular disease is likely related to any treatment administered by the VA.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses is granted due to the services being related to his service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease and the treatment deemed necessary in a medical emergency.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of generalized anxiety disorder with depression, service connection for a heart disorder, and reopening of residuals of bilateral frozen feet claim are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability ratings in four specific conditions, and the Board dismissed these issues as a result.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess his current condition and employment status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease did not have its onset during his military service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by his peptic ulcer or PTSD. Therefore, service connection for coronary artery disease is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected proteinuria did not cause his death, and the causes of his death (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, nephritis, and hypertension) were not related to his active duty service or a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death was denied.