Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension, secondary to diabetes mellitus, were denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other service-connected disabilities that could be linked to the claimed conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's left forearm motor nerve damage and loss of use were not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and CAD were not shown to warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to July 11, 2005.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder and iron deficiency anemia, as well as her claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a subtotal thyroidectomy of a non-toxic goiter. The decision was based on the evidence then of record.,The Board denied the Veteran's claims due to lack of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the prior decisions, not because there was new or material evidence.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has found new and material evidence to warrant reconsideration of the claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disability. The case is being remanded to determine if the Veteran experienced chest pains during periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in 1984.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records and a medical opinion regarding his employability.

The Veteran's low back condition is service-connected, and his acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder and PTSD) may be related to service. The lung condition is not service-connected.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, hypertension, and heart condition. However, the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II as presumptively related to herbicide exposure during the Veteran's Vietnam-era naval service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and granted both service connection for this condition and a TDIU based on his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a failure to provide proper VCAA notice regarding what evidence is needed to reopen and establish service connection.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, back condition, sciatica, Bell's palsy, and heart condition. The effective date of the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus is set to November 17, 2005.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, a psychiatric disorder, and a heart condition.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, specifically atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy. The Board finds that these conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to the cause of death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing proper notice and obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim to service connection for a heart disorder and found new and material evidence. The left ear hearing loss issue is remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a cardiovascular or heart disorder, and thus cannot grant service connection for the Veteran's claimed condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA medical records and to provide a VA medical opinion regarding whether the heart conditions he developed were caused by VA medical treatment from 1994 to 2001.