Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's knee strain and tinnitus are related to his active service, but hypertension is not established. The decision denies all other claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The veteran's pension overpayment of $3,810.00 is waived due to undue hardship caused by financial constraints and the need for medical care. The veteran does not meet criteria for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board found no evidence to support the claim that the veteran's heart disorders are related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but denied the claims of service connection for Raynaud's disease and a foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and additional development is required.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death is not related to service, a service-connected disorder, or VA examination/treatment. The appellant's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as there is no evidence showing that the VA medical treatment in February 1957 contributed to cause his death.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the veteran did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the May 1997 rating decision denying service connection for hypertension secondary to pneumoconiosis.

The veteran's claim to reopen for service connection of hypertension is pending. The RO denied the claim in July 1995, but did not receive a timely appeal. The veteran submitted new medical records and correspondence from his private physician. Further efforts are needed to obtain service medical records and verify the veteran's service. Additional medical examination is also required.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other relevant laws, regulations, and guidance. The RO must obtain all pertinent medical records, including those from VA and non-VA providers, and afford the veteran comprehensive examinations to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his gouty arthritis and essential hypertension with ischemic changes were denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.,However, the veteran was granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected, as there is no medical evidence linking them to his in-service injuries or otherwise suggesting a connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no evidence connecting his current condition to his military service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, hypertension at 10 percent, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee at 10 percent, and eczematous dyshidrosis of the feet has been granted a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, right knee disability, left knee disability, shin splints, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain. The RO assigned the current 10 percent rating since the grant of service connection.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for hypertension, finding no new and material evidence to support it.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to service connection for hypertension, which was incurred during his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of hypertension as secondary to his service-connected bilateral otosclerosis, status-post right stapedectomy with hearing impairment. The reduction from a 50 percent rating to a 40 percent rating for bilateral otosclerosis was upheld.

The Board has remanded the case due to new legislation requiring additional development and notification.