Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his coronary artery insufficiency and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which were found to be etiologically related to his diabetes mellitus. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease, are not related to his active service or any service-connected disabilities. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims is secondary to his diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the lack of an adequate opinion regarding the relationship between hypertension and both diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected residuals of a germ cell tumor (seminoma) of mediastinum, as well as any heart and arm disorders. The claims will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder and hypertension are related to his service-connected PTSD, granting these claims.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. However, additional development is needed to determine whether the coronary artery disease contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease has not resulted in significant symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope at a workload of 5-7 METs. The disability does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for special adapted housing and equipment, which has been granted. The claim for a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease have been granted. The claim for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be service-connected due to exposure to noise during his active duty. The claim for a TDIU rating is granted based on the combined disability ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis of both knees, bronchial asthma, and urinary tract infection. The claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease was also denied.

The Veteran's widow has been granted service connection for the claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, due to herbicide exposure during his active duty.

The Veteran does not currently suffer from a heart disorder, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition cannot be established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a VA examination to determine the etiology of his heart disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be of sufficient severity to preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and the claim for a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected heart disability, right knee DJD, left knee DJD, and lumbar spine degenerative changes were denied. The Veteran was not granted any higher ratings than the current 10 percent assigned.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied as the conditions at issue are not found to be related to his active service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal regarding his claims of service connection for heart disease, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The claim of service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia was denied due to lack of evidence of exposure to herbicides or service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's heart disorder, including atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease, is not shown to have been caused by the VA treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The most likely causes of his heart disorders are his morbid obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, tobacco usage, hyperlipidemia, inactivity, and high blood pressure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to determine if his current cervical spine and cardiovascular disorders are related to his military service, including any periods of active duty, inactive duty training, or National Guard service. The VA will verify these periods and provide appropriate examinations to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions.