Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease was denied, as the evidence did not show that his disability met or approximated the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing service medical records and a lack of VA treatment records from 1972 to August 2000.

The Board granted increased evaluations for the right knee injury and lumbar spine disability, effective from specific dates. The hypertension was also granted a separate evaluation.,A compensable evaluation (greater than zero percent) was granted for the veteran's right ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's disabilities, including avitaminosis and other nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, malaria, residuals of stroke (right-sided hemiparesis), COPD, ischemic heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, antral gastritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease. These conditions are presumed to have been incurred in service as a POW.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA negligence or carelessness, and thus denied the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran is seeking service connection for heart disease and hypertensive vascular disease, as well as a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the veteran for examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's heart condition, including congestive heart failure and severely dilated cardiomyopathy, was not directly incurred in service. The Board also determined that there is no evidence linking PTSD to his current heart conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's heart disease, gallbladder disease, and diabetes mellitus were not incurred or aggravated by service. The conditions are considered to be unrelated to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy, finding that these conditions are proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the appellant timely filed a Notice of Disagreement with respect to the January 2004 rating decision, and thus the appeal is granted.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.

The Board has determined that the veteran's coronary artery disease is not related to his military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board finds that the veteran's current right knee and cardiovascular disorders were not present in service or for many years thereafter, and there is no indication that these conditions are causally related to his active service. Therefore, service connection for a right knee disorder or for coronary artery disease cannot be established.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a heart condition, and headaches. The claim for an increased rating for thoracic spine disability was also denied as there is no evidence showing that the veteran had any limitation of motion or abnormal spinal contour prior to April 7, 2004.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen her service connection for the cause of death, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for coronary artery disease and sleep apnea. The veteran's contentions regarding the etiology of his conditions have been considered, but there is insufficient medical evidence to support a finding of service connection.

The veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease was granted a 100% disability rating effective September 28, 2005. Prior to this date, the symptoms did not warrant such high ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral arm nerve damage and a disability rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease. The claim for an increased rating for type II diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under section 1318.