Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated as noncompensably disabling prior to November 21, 2002, and as 30 percent disabling on and after that date. The rating for the abdominal aortic aneurysm was restored to 100 percent effective July 1, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and thus denied his request to restore the previous 60 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and also denied his claim for service connection for a heart condition. The decision is final.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of service connection for coronary artery disease has been dismissed due to a lack of timely notice of disagreement (NOD).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease are not service-connected, as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection. The medical evidence does not support a finding of service connection based on secondary aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in its March 1986 decision, which denied service connection for the cause of death due to a preexisting heart condition that was not aggravated by service. The Veteran died from complications related to his heart disease.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease secondary to hypertension based on the lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty in February 1995. As a result, the claim for secondary service connection was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for congenital heart disease as new and material evidence was not submitted, despite the Veteran having made multiple attempts.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for daily personal needs without regular assistance from others or to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and their relationship to his service, including verification of dates of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD and a back condition, but denied reopening of his claim for heart condition. The Veteran was found to have engaged in combat during his Vietnam service, which supports his claim for PTSD. His back condition is also supported by evidence showing he participated in combat operations and had an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain Social Security Administration records and incomplete VCAA notice.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a specialized medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD contributed to his death and whether it was related to service. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and early degenerative changes of the left knee as secondary to a service-connected condition. The Veteran's heart condition is not considered service connected.,Service connection was established for PTSD based on credible evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right knee disorder or left knee disorder that is service-connected. The evidence shows no nexus between any current right or left knee disorders and his period of active service.

The Veteran's cause of death, renal cell carcinoma and coronary artery disease, is not service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking the conditions to his military service or any incident therein.

The Board has determined that a VA medical examination is necessary to address the etiology of the Veteran's heart disease, as there are conflicting opinions regarding its onset and relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining service personnel records and addressing the VCAA notice requirements.