Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The veteran's death was not related to VA medical treatment, and the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Board has determined that the claim is not well grounded because there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's service-connected below-the-knee amputation of the right lower extremity to his non-service connected coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction.

The Board found that the appellant's hypertensive heart disease has materially improved under ordinary conditions of life and work, warranting a reduction from a 40 percent rating to a 30 percent rating effective November 1, 1991. The eczematoid dermatitis issue remains unresolved.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining METs data from a cardiovascular specialist.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's service-connected left hip replacement for arthritis to his cause of death, and thus denied the claim.

The VA denied increased evaluations for the veteran's ASHD and HNP, maintaining current disability ratings of 30 percent and 40 percent respectively.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions as a result of his service, to include on a presumptive basis, or on the basis of aggravation.

The Board has granted a special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance due to multiple disabilities, including macular degeneration, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease with recurrent transient ischemic attacks, smokers bronchitis, low back syndrome with osteopenia, and mixed psychoneurosis. The appellant's left thigh gunshot wound residuals are currently evaluated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claims for asbestosis and mesothelioma, a lung condition secondary to surgical clamps and wire in the lung, and a heart condition secondary to the service-connected lung disease were denied. However, his claim for an increased evaluation of inactive pulmonary tuberculosis was granted with a 10% disability rating.,The veteran's vocal chord paralysis claim was denied, but he received a grant of total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease with essential hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the retrieval of pertinent medical records.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for rheumatic heart disease, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The veteran's service-connected trench foot is found to have caused or aggravated his venous system disorders (thrombosis) and coronary artery disease. His death was also found to be related to the service-connected trench foot, contributing to liver failure.

The Board found that the evidence submitted by the appellant did not meet the criteria for reopening her claim of service connection for cause of death, as it was not new and material. The veteran's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism due to arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, increased ratings for degenerative disc disease and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and erosive esophagitis, and a compensable rating for bilateral defective hearing. The veteran's heart condition is not linked to service or a service-connected disability. His back disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5292 or 5393. His hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and erosive esophagitis meets the criteria for a 10% rating, but his hearing loss is noncompensable.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and bilateral tinea infections, and declined to reopen a claim for service connection for a heart disorder. The veteran's attorney entered into an agreement in November 1999 but the requirements for payment of attorney fees from past-due benefits have not been met.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claims for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to an inadequate substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted since the final denial is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The Board finds that the medical evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the veteran's current rheumatic heart disease with mitral stenosis began during service or was aggravated by additional episodes of illness during service. With resolution of all reasonable doubt in the veteran's favor, the criteria for service connection are met.