Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated medical evaluations for her service-connected bronchial asthma, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The issues of a compensable evaluation prior to June 10, 2004 and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent beginning June 10, 2004 for service-connected bronchial asthma are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed hypertension is a result of his service-connected CAD, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease with bradycardia was granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange. Claims for hypogammaglobulinemia and bilateral hearing loss were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, heart disease, hypertension, and endocarditis. The evidence did not show that these conditions began during or were otherwise caused by his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected heart condition did not cause or contribute to his death from ischemic colitis. The appellant's assertions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding that hypertension and varicose veins are related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disease was not incurred or aggravated during his active service, and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The claim for secondary service connection based on the Veteran's skin disorder (eczematous dermatitis) is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive and restrictive lung disease, major depressive disorder and anxiety, onychomycosis (secondary to diabetes mellitus), left shoulder disability, hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus), heart disease (including congestive heart failure and edema of the legs) (presumptively due to Agent Orange exposure), PTSD, and granted an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The Board also remanded the issue of SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of both hands or arms, which would entitle him to a higher rate of special monthly compensation. The claim is being returned for further development.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD effective June 16, 2010. The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension are presumed to be due to exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his coronary artery disease is caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's claimed coronary artery disease and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service, nor are they proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected mitral regurgitation. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection under any theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the Veteran's claim.,The Veteran's loss of teeth is not considered service-connected for purposes of eligibility for dental treatment.

The Veteran's heart condition and respiratory condition were granted service connection with effective dates of December 19, 2008. Temporary total ratings based on hospitalization for the heart condition from December 19, 2008 to January 31, 2009, and following surgical treatment for a heart condition from February 1, 2009 to April 14, 2009 have also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cardiovascular disorder, finding that his pre-existing congenital heart defect did not worsen during service and was not aggravated by it.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart condition related to his service exposure to Agent Orange. He had pending claims for diabetes mellitus, chloracne, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) that were all presumed due to his service exposure to Agent Orange. Accrued benefits are granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's rheumatic heart disease is characterized by a METs level of at least 8 and an ejection fraction in excess of 50 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability, hypertension, and left knee disability were not incurred or aggravated by his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disability, characterized as coronary artery disease and myocardial infarctions, is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The decision grants service connection for this condition.