Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2013

The Veteran's atherosclerotic (ischemic) heart disease was first identified on January 19, 2010. The effective date for the award of service connection is set at this date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disorder, hypertension, residuals of a stroke, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), and shortness of breath. The evidence did not establish direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease, including congestive heart failure, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease as secondary to his service-connected essential hypertension. The claim for a compensable rating for essential hypertension was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder is not service-connected and denied his claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for lung disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current heart disability, resulting from post-operative constrictive pericarditis and histoplasmosis contracted during service, is due to in-service exposure. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and heart disabilities. The Veteran served in the National Guard, including periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA). He reported injuries during INACDUTRA that may be related to his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including consideration of new evidence and clarification of representation.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current heart disability related to his service-connected asbestosis or any event or injury in service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical opinions and records, including VA treatment records from June 1970 to September 2004. The appellant will be provided another opportunity to provide evidence or information in support of her claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied.,The Veteran's appeal to establish an effective date earlier than June 26, 2000, for service connection of CAD due to presumed herbicide exposure is pending and requires further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The Board also finds that service connection is warranted as the appellant's medical opinion supports a finding that the Veteran's PTSD contributed substantially to his death from coronary disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including heart disability, kidney stones, chronic pain syndrome (other than lumbago and chronic back pain), epididymitis, bilateral foot fungus, and depression and anxiety disorder. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is caused by his service-connected hypertension, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran has ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery disease (CAD), which is etiologically related to his active military service. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is dismissed as a matter of law because the underlying claim was severed due to clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records, personnel records from his Army Reserves and National Guard service, and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his heart disability and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a heart disorder, hypertension, or other claimed conditions during service or within one year post-service. Service connection was not granted for any condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease and systolic dysfunction with secondary cardiomyopathy, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of National Guard service periods and obtaining etiological opinions on hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and any psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.