Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease and arrhythmia with insertion of permanent pacemaker.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; prostate cancer; ischemic heart disease (CAD); and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are all granted based on exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disabilities, including mitral valve prolapse, are not attributable to his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, presumed to have been incurred in service, contributed substantially or materially to his death. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as an accrued benefits claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's aortic stenosis was not caused or aggravated by his military service, including in-service influenza. The preponderance of evidence does not support a link between the current condition and active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,The claim of new and material evidence to reopen a left knee disability has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining ship history reports and clinical records. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is also unclear based on his testimony.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for a heart disorder, and denied the claim based on lack of in-service exposure to herbicides or other presumptive conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart disorder, but remanded to obtain a clarifying opinion from the VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of his heart disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a heart disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the evidence did not establish their relationship to military service.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for a heart disorder, which was previously denied in 1982. The Veteran's current medical records show he has atrial fibrillation, a condition that existed prior to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne and heart disease (including hypertension and atrial fibrillation) were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 was denied because the evidence did not show that VA care caused an additional disability, and there was no negligence on VA's part.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including lung condition, heart condition, atrial fibrillation, vision condition, dizziness, lightheadedness, stress, chest pain, pneumonia, pleural effusion, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, all claimed as due to radiation exposure. The Board found no evidence of a radiogenic disease or other service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and granted his claim for coronary artery disease. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the current cardiovascular disorder and service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to his death while the appeal was pending before the Court.

The Veteran's heart disease was not incurred or aggravated during active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service and granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and a heart condition due to incomplete medical records and the need for further development of the medical record, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, onychomycosis of the right foot, and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment since July 10, 2007.