Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability other than ischemic heart disease is reopened, and he is granted service connection. The effective date for the grant of service connection for bursitis of the right shoulder remains at August 25, 2005.

The Veteran has a history of heart conditions during service, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertension. The Board finds that the current disability element is met as he likely still has these conditions, leading to a grant of service connection for hypertensive heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension have resulted in a TDIU rating effective June 11, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's heart disability is not service-connected, but the claim to reopen his arthritis of the right knee has been granted. The Board found that new evidence supports reopening the claim for arthritis of the right knee.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a liver disorder secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The heart disorder claim is pending and will be remanded as instructed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, to include as secondary to PTSD, is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia and granted it. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The case is being remanded for further development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection related to obstructive sleep apnea, heart condition, and cutaneous sarcoid of the facial cheeks. The issues include determining whether these conditions are related to service or if they are secondary to other conditions.

The Veteran's sarcoidosis with heart involvement has been rated at 60 percent since February 2002. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 60 percent is not warranted for the period from December 28, 2005 to May 28, 2009.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease are presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, while peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not established as being related to service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and cause of any heart disease, as well as whether the Veteran's headaches are related to his carotid artery stenosis. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Forsyth Memorial Hospital on February 2 and 3, 2006 due to a lack of prior authorization from VA. The treatment was deemed unauthorized as it did not follow up with previously authorized care.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current heart disorder, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, is not related to his active service. The evidence does not show a chronic condition during service or continuity of symptomatology after service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested the cancellation of his formal appeal and hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and clarifying his representation in the appeal process.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease is etiologically due to his service-connected chronic PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance/housebound status. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.