Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, hearing loss, amputation of the right index finger, diabetes mellitus type II with renal insufficiency, erectile dysfunction, and scar from CABG, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that his TDIU is warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Pick's disease and a heart disability, finding that there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or association with these conditions.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and may not be presumed to have incurred therein, to include as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's cardiac problems were related to his periods of active duty, inactive duty training, or reserve service. The appeal is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes, heart disability, or psychiatric condition during service. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart disorder, as these conditions are not shown to be related to his active military service or presumed exposure to herbicides. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service and therefore meets the presumptive criteria for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The claims are granted.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found no evidence of current heart disease or a disability characterized by chest muscle spasms or cartilage inflammation, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, hypertension, heart disability (cardiac murmur), right great toe disability, low back disability, residuals of cold injury to hands, and bilateral knee disability. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions at the time of the decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a burst appendix, heart condition, and bladder condition. However, further development is needed as VA examinations are required to determine if these conditions are related to his in-service appendectomy.

The Veteran's heart disease, including coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, is currently rated at 60 percent. The rating does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease was not incurred or aggravated in military service, nor is it proximately due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Halifax Health Medical Center on June 29, 2009 and June 30, 2009 were denied as the treatment was not rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health. VA facilities were located within reasonable distance from his home but he did not attempt to use them.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the lack of a definitive cardiac catheterization study and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for myocardial infarction as a heart disability, including secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder, is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of a stroke, skin disorder, heart disorder, and bone disorder as a result of carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault by VA medical personnel.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Veteran is granted a TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, a heart condition, hypertension, and hepatitis A. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing, and no further action is required from the RO at this time.