Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2011

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The MRSA infection occurred after he was discharged from VA care and admitted to a private hospital.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, updated medical records, and further development.

The Veteran died in May 2006 from multiple organ failure due to pneumonia. His service records do not show any exposure to herbicides or other conditions that could be linked to his death. The Board finds no evidence of a service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bone cancer, a heart disorder, and right knee and ankle disorders that he asserts are due to his service-connected residuals of left knee and ankle injuries. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining medical records and VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's status post L4-5 and L5-S1 anterior interbody fusion with chronic low back pain. The claims for increased ratings for hypertension and coronary artery disease are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease was denied, as the evidence did not show more than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year or a workload greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. The claim for hypertension also failed to meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board found that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder. The heart disorder claim was denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking any current cardiac condition to her period of active duty training.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence regarding his ability to work, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if he can secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung cancer, ASHD and diabetes mellitus did not have a direct relationship to his service-connected right shoulder shell fragment wound. The medical evidence did not support a connection between these conditions and the Veteran's service.

The Board denied service connection for all claimed disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, type II, CIDP of the upper extremities, kidney disorder, sexual dysfunction, bilateral foot disorder, heart condition, and hypertension, as they are not related to herbicide exposure during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease and arteriosclerotic heart disease, are related to his service. The acute myocardial infarction he experienced during INACDUTRA in 1993 is considered a direct service connection case.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease, which is productive of chronic congestive heart failure, has been rated at the highest possible evaluation (100%) due to its severity and impact on his daily life.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and a heart condition, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other conditions that would warrant service connection.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his ability to perform daily activities independently.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. His claims of service connection for specially adapted housing, automobile/adaptive equipment, and peripheral vascular disease are inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and an expert opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the appellant's cardiovascular disease.

The Veteran's major depression is found to be due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. His heart condition and kidney condition are not found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations and consideration of newly submitted private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, is related to his service due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam and falls under the presumptive provisions for ischemic heart disease.