Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, headache disorder, hypertension, and left knee disorder are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury leading to these conditions.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as his disabilities do not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board granted increased evaluations of 30 percent for hypertension and bilateral pes planus, both determined to be service-connected under the direct theory.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, stress disorder, and asbestosis. The claim for hypertension was based on direct evidence of a current disability and its relationship to service. The claims for stress disorder and asbestosis were not well-grounded.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status based on her ability to perform daily activities without significant assistance.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension by reason of being permanently housebound due to lack of substantial confinement to her home or immediate premises by permanent disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for essential hypertension, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted since the last final denial in June 1983.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his limited use of his left upper extremity and right hand, despite having some loss of use in his left lower extremity.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tumors of the left ear and hypertension were denied as not well grounded. His claim for service connection for damaged retinas and bilateral cataracts was granted, but he did not receive a rating higher than zero percent for his ptosis condition.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence of a current back disorder, hypertension, or left knee disorder. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension and heart disease, finding no evidence of such conditions during service or a link to service.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of fracture of the lumbar spine are rated at 20% due to moderate limitation of motion. The initial noncompensable and 10% evaluations for hemorrhoids and hypertension, respectively, remain unchanged.

The veteran's tinea versicolor is rated at 10 percent, hypertension at 10 percent, and cervical disc disease and stenosis with upper extremity myelopathy, postoperative fusion at 60 percent. The RO has applied the appropriate diagnostic codes to reflect these ratings.

The Board found that new evidence, including a history of heart attack during ACDUTRA and current treatment for hypertension, suggests the veteran may have suffered from a heart condition with hypertension. The claim is reopened as it now appears plausible under the law.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his residuals of a spider bite to the left middle finger, right acromioclavicular joint strain with shoulder pain, and hypertension. The evidence did not meet the criteria for compensable ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between any diagnosed conditions and his active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, dysphagia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The initial 10% disability evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome was also denied.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's current hypertension and ischemic heart disease to service, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic right medial epicondylitis and denied service connection for hypertension.