Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total evaluation for service-connected coronary artery disease based on hospital treatment or convalescence has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in February 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, hypertension (HTN), a heart disorder, and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic lung cancer, and the Board is remanding the case for further development to determine if there is a relationship between his service-connected cold injury residuals or any exposure to Mustard Gas or ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's heart disorder, hypertension, and GERD are all rated at the minimum level of disability. The Veteran is granted initial ratings for these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and readjudicating the issues of service connection and effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for coronary artery disease and depression as secondary to the disease are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Board finds that the service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially to the Veteran's death. The Veteran's cardiovascular issues were more likely related to his smoking and dyslipidemia, rather than his service-connected back injury.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus has aggravated his non-service-connected congestive cardiac failure and atrial fibrillation, which is claimed as heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service due to his service-connected disabilities, which may qualify him for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart murmur pre-existed his service and was not aggravated therein, and that his current heart disability is otherwise unrelated to his active service or to any incident therein. As a result, the claim for service connection for a heart disability was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection claims for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, heart disorder, kidney disorder, vision disorder, back disorder, right leg disorder, and pes planus. The evidence submitted since the July 2002 final rating decision did not provide new and material evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notification regarding service connection claims for coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The unspecified growth other than a left adrenal mass claim will also be remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected unstable sternum, post CABG, with continued complaints of pain is currently rated at 10 percent. A separate rating for injury to the thoracic muscle group has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain missing service treatment records from Fort Dix, where the Veteran served in 1968. The claim will be reconsidered based on these additional records.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal for heart disease and all related issues.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, diabetes mellitus (due to herbicide exposure), and heart disease have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD during service or currently suffers from PTSD. Diabetes mellitus is not related to service, nor can it be presumed due to herbicide exposure. Heart disease was also not related to service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the appellant's current heart condition is related to service, specifically ACDUTRA. The examiner should also provide opinions on whether any congenital defect identified in service was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and vision problems are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, status-post myocardial infarction, is currently rated at 30 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for 2005 was denied by the VAMC. The Board has decided to remand the case back to the VAMC for further action, including obtaining additional medical records and providing proper notice under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.