Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2014

The Veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on the issues of service connection for heart disability, hypertension, and arthritis of the left hip. The Board finds that these appeals are dismissed.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Thailand and whether his death is related to service on a direct basis.

The Board granted service connection for hypertensive heart disease effective September 19, 2011. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is addressed separately.

The Veteran has ischemic heart disease that had its onset during active service and the Board finds this condition is related to his military service. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability, and therefore, denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has ordered the case back to the AOJ for additional development, including translation of Spanish language documents and consideration of new evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal disorder and heart disorder remain under review.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his combat service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds additional development necessary for the remaining issues as the Veteran reported worsening of these conditions since the last VA compensation examinations.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability appeal is dismissed. The claims of service connection for renal failure, non-specific monoclonal gammopathy, interstitial pneumonitis, and hypertension are reopened due to receipt of new and material evidence. Service connection for heart disease remains inextricably intertwined with the renal disease claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete paper copies of any Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination and associated medical records.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Baptist Medical Center Hospital from September 25 - 29, 2009 were denied as the emergency treatment was not considered to be of such nature that a prudent layperson could have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The appeal is related to presumptive exposure to herbicides, which may affect his diabetes claim.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease, status-post stent placement cannot be earlier than September 6, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected laceration of the right eyebrow with retained foreign body did not cause his death, but it is considered a contributory cause due to its potential long-term effects.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertensive heart disease and hypertension have not met the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria, as they do not present with congestive heart failure or other disabling manifestations warranting increased evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for the withdrawal of his claims regarding hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and the reopening of his claim for coronary artery disease.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for mitral insufficiency and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a finding of aggravation during active duty. The heart disability was preexisting but worsened due to heat exposure, physical exertion, and exposure to toxic fumes from oil fires during service in the Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of private treatment records. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private medical facility from January 1, 2007 to January 5, 2007 are granted as the treatment was for a service-connected condition and not feasible to be provided by VA or federal facilities.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than August 31, 2010 for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease is not assignable.