Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2010

The service-connected hiatal hernia substantially contributed to the Veteran's death, which was caused by COPD and CAD. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder did not manifest during service or within one year of separation from service and is not proximately due to or caused by service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease was granted, with the effective date being October 22, 2009.

The Board found no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability or undiagnosed illness related to the Veteran's service, and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the Veteran's coronary artery disease service connection claim has been received, but further development is needed before the claim may be adjudicated on its merits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and stable mediastinal lymphadenopathy have not been established. The Board has also determined that the Veteran's current lung condition is not likely related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder, which began in service and is related to his death, warrants service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran was service-connected for any conditions at the time of his death, and whether these conditions contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for arthralgia of the lower back and heart disease with ventricular hypertrophy was denied. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The appellant's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate for a surviving spouse with no dependents, resulting in denial of death pension benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and heart disability are pending. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence against these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and service personnel records.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to determine if he currently has a chronic heart disorder and whether it is related to his service or any other condition. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability is still pending. The left ankle disability claim was previously denied and remains closed.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination to assess his employability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, bilateral shoulder arthritis, and bilateral hand arthritis. The claim for service connection for a colon disorder is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected heart condition effectively prevents him from ambulating without the aid of a wheelchair, which constitutes loss of use of both feet. Therefore, he is entitled to financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was manifested by complaints of dyspnea on exertion, some left ventricular hypertrophy, and moderate to severe aortic stenosis. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not show marked enlargement of the heart or more than light manual labor being precluded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the Veteran's homelessness and lack of contact with his representative.