Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2012

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a direct link between the Veteran's military service and his current health issues.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma did not cause or contribute substantially to his death. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any of his service-connected conditions caused or contributed to his death.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder other than GERD as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses of hiatal hernia and gastritis are not likely related to or aggravated by his PTSD.,The Board also denied service connection for a heart disability as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's coronary artery disease is less likely caused by or a result of his PTSD.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current disability level.

The Board has denied the reopening of claims for service connection for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction and right bundle branch block, as well as the denial of service connection for hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure) and left ventricular hypertrophy. The evidence received since the January 2006 rating decision does not meet the criteria for new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claims have been denied due to a lack of sufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, heart disorder, and hypertension are not found to be related to his service-connected hydronephrosis or any other service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for all periods considered, thus denying his claim for NSC pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA cardiology examination to determine if the Veteran's current heart disability is related to his service or any other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, thus granting service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current Lyme disease or any residuals thereof, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disease, both secondary to PTSD, are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary artery thrombosis with an underlying cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is considered service-connected based on the balance of positive and negative evidence. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma and atherosclerotic heart disease with AICD placement, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange in Korea. The conditions were not related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability and bilateral lower extremity disorder are service-connected due to in-service combat exposure. The heart condition is presumed to be related to service, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart disability. The Veteran was awarded entitlement to service connection for hypertension, which is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's death was attributed to chronic depression, which the appellant claims was service-connected. However, there is no evidence linking any of these conditions to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a gastrointestinal disability in service or within one year following discharge, and thus cannot be presumed to have been incurred therein.,There is also insufficient evidence linking any current heart disorder to service. The Veteran's separation examination did not reveal any heart issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claim, including obtaining records from State of Ohio disability retirement.

The Veteran's atrial fibrillation is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD.