Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the forfeiture against the Veteran was proper under 38 U.S.C.A. § 6103(a), and evidence received since this decision is not new and material.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA medical treatment, and the proximate cause of his death was not due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart condition, including coronary artery disease, did not have its onset during his active service and is not related to his service-connected rheumatic fever. Therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be established.

The Veteran seeks service connection for coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure, to include as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and interstitial lung disease. The Veteran's current lung disability is found to be related to his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate records and the need for further examination. The Veteran's heart disease involving the tricuspid valve is being reviewed, but more information about his service history and post-service treatment is needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for tinnitus or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/chronic bronchitis/emphysema, and there was no indication of service connection based on exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination to determine his employability.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for vertigo remains pending as it was not addressed by the original decision.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD, finding that the evidence does not support a causal link between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of her heart disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and SSA records. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease with residuals of mitral valve replacement was evaluated at a 30 percent rating since September 30, 2004.

The Board found that there is no evidence showing a direct or service-connected relationship between the Veteran's service and his death. The cause of death was listed as pneumonia, with other conditions contributing to death but not resulting in the underlying cause.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to October 7, 2004 for a compensable evaluation of his service-connected rheumatic heart disease was granted. The effective date is set at March 10, 2006.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute myocardial infarction, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed heart condition and the claim for service connection is denied. The other issues on appeal are also denied.