Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The VA compensation medical opinion determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death from interstitial lung disease. The primary cause of death was listed as interstitial lung disease, which caused acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting in the Veteran's demise.

The Veteran's ASCAD has been manifested by dyspnea and fatigue resulting from physical activity, which is contemplated by the applicable rating schedule criteria. The effects of his ASCAD have not warranted referral to the appropriate VA officials for consideration on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, have rendered him unemployable since May 2006. As a result, his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 10, 2002.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted based on in-service noise exposure and current medical evidence.

The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hypertension is granted as these conditions are presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, and major depressive disorder. The claim for narcolepsy was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a heart disorder, which was previously denied in 1983. The reopening is based on evidence showing a history of cardiac issues dating back to childhood and during military service.

The Veteran's bone growth under the nose is not related to service or any incident of service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.,The Veteran does not have a diagnosed heart disorder and his chest pains are attributed to a lung disorder. Therefore, service connection for a heart disorder cannot be granted.,The Veteran's hypertension is not related to service or any incident of service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.,The Veteran's lung disorder (chronic bronchitis) is not related to service or any incident of service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.,The Veteran's foot disorders are not related to service or any incident of service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's current hypertension, hypertensive heart disease/congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation are found to be aggravated by his service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus, type II; right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy; right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy; diabetic neuropathy; mild non-obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Appellant is not eligible for survivor's benefits as an unremarried surviving spouse due to the timing and duration of her marriage to the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability other than ischemic heart disease is reopened, and he is granted service connection. The effective date for the grant of service connection for bursitis of the right shoulder remains at August 25, 2005.

The Veteran has a history of heart conditions during service, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertension. The Board finds that the current disability element is met as he likely still has these conditions, leading to a grant of service connection for hypertensive heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension have resulted in a TDIU rating effective June 11, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's heart disability is not service-connected, but the claim to reopen his arthritis of the right knee has been granted. The Board found that new evidence supports reopening the claim for arthritis of the right knee.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a liver disorder secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The heart disorder claim is pending and will be remanded as instructed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, to include as secondary to PTSD, is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia and granted it. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion.