Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus, which is presumed due to his service in Vietnam and herbicide exposure, contributed to his death from coronary artery disease. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's heart disease and high cholesterol are not service-connected. The claim to reopen the hypertension claim is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hemiplegia, a disability manifested by breathing problems, and a heart disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's CAD, to include heart disease, is found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. The claim for secondary service connection has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, arthritis, hypertension, and arteriosclerotic heart disease and/or congestive heart failure are proximately due to his service-connected bronchial asthma. The disability ratings for these conditions remain unchanged as they were already in place prior to this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic heart disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and address the Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease is due to his service-connected hypertension, and the Board finds that it is reasonable to conclude that the Veteran's skin disability may also be related to diabetes. Service connection for both conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have caused or aggravated his coronary artery disease. Service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, ED, right eye cataract, CAD, a busted eardrum with nerve damage, and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The appeals were based on direct service connection rather than due to herbicide exposure or secondary to another condition.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability evaluation for scar, left thigh and service connection for heart disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as his conditions do not warrant such benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was granted. His initial rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to claims of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease or atherosclerotic heart disease. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the claim on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disability is etiologically related to his exposure to herbicides during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, heart condition (claimed as heart attack), and arm disability (claimed as loss of use of arm).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disorder and there is no evidence of such during service. As such, the claim for service connection for a heart disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a copy of the March 2004 autopsy report and requesting a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claims for lung and heart disabilities due to mustard gas exposure have been granted. Service connection is established for flat feet, but denied for left ankle and right knee disabilities, dermatitis, and PTSD rating increased.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatic heart disease with mitral insufficiency and severe aortic stenosis is currently rated at 100 percent, effective May 14, 2008.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death. This includes obtaining medical opinions and private treatment records, as well as ensuring proper notification under VCAA.