Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially to his death, which was caused by a hip fracture resulting from nightmares related to the PTSD.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disorder, and back disorder. The Board finds there are issues regarding exposure to herbicides but the required evidentiary development procedures have not been followed. Additional medical records are needed and a supplemental opinion on whether congenital lumbar stenosis was aggravated by superimposed disease or injury is also needed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II with nephropathy was granted an initial rating of 10 percent. Service connection for coronary artery disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were granted as secondary to the service-connected diabetes. However, service connection for conjunctivitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) were denied.

The cause of the Veteran's death was listed as lung cancer, with coronary artery disease noted as a significant condition contributing to death.,Service connection for the cause of death was not granted because there is no evidence that the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability caused or contributed substantially to his death.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected coronary artery disease, status myocardial infarction, and coronary artery bypass grafting.,For the time period from May 1, 2006 to January 12, 2009, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle disorder, allergic rhinitis, and heart disease manifested by first degree atrioventricular block. The Veteran did not have a current disability for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected sarcoidosis with pulmonary and renal involvement.

The Board has denied the reopening of claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted to support these claims.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease, including coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy, for which he was taking prescribed medications prior to and on the date of his death, is considered service-connected based on presumed exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran did not have a chronic heart disorder during service, and there is no evidence of such condition within one year post-service. The Board finds that the current heart disorder is not related to military service.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease, which the private cardiologist opined were related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, prostate cancer, was not related to any service-connected disability and denied DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, including as secondary to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right shoulder disorder, hypertension, and heart disorder. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional development regarding these claims.,The Veteran also seeks increased ratings for his PTSD with depressive disorder and neck disorders.

The Veteran's death was caused by congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with coronary artery disease being a contributing factor. The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease, which is subject to presumptive service connection due to his Vietnam-era service, materially hastened his death.

The Veteran's sinus disorder is found to be related to his service, and he is granted service connection. The status of the initial evaluations for CAD with stent placement and hypertension remains unclear.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound were received by the RO after his death, but prior to the issuance of a final decision. As such, these claims are not considered pending at the time of his death.

The Veteran's spouse is eligible for CHAMPVA benefits as of March 31, 2009, due to the Veteran being permanently and totally disabled from service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for heart disease, bilateral hip deterioration, chronic headaches, and memory loss and sleep problems due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical records showing symptoms or treatment during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and Social Security Administration records, as well as a supplemental opinion from his private physician regarding the relationship between his service-connected diabetes mellitus and his heart disorder.