Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well-grounded and have been granted. The veteran is now entitled to service connection for headaches, depression, pseudofolliculitis barbae, hypertension, and a gastrointestinal disorder secondary to medication.

The Board found that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support at age 18, as he had various jobs and was enrolled in school. Therefore, his claim for VA benefits based on being a 'child' due to permanent incapacity prior to age 18 was denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for hypertension and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, finding that there was no well-grounded evidence to support the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a skin rash, PTSD, and hypertension. The veteran's claim for hypertension was not well-grounded as he had high blood pressure at the time of discharge.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an eye condition, heart disorder, GERD, hypertension, recurrent headaches, and intestinal disorder are not well-grounded. The Board denied these claims as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury that could be linked to current disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development to assess the veteran's disabilities and determine his eligibility for special monthly pension due to need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted the appellant's request for an extension of time to file a substantive appeal on his claims for service connection for hypertension, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has found that the veteran's cervical spondylosis is service-connected, but his hypertension was not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied in October 1995, and she did not appeal the decision. In June 1997, she submitted copies of her service medical records to reopen her claim, but the RO did not prepare a rating decision as there was no jurisdiction due to the finality of the previous denial.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings or service connection based on exposure to asbestos or other hazards.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee scar, heart disorder (including hypertension), left shoulder disorder, tinnitus, bursitis, and amebiasis. The claims are not well-grounded as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease that would support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension was not well-grounded, as there is no evidence showing a nexus between his current diagnosis and any disease or injury in service.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in November 1998, expressing satisfaction with the current rating for his service-connected kidney disability with hypertension.

The veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the old or new VA Rating Schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy is denied as there is no competent evidence linking it to his active service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for increased evaluations of left shoulder dislocation, hypertension, and chronic bronchitis with COPD are also denied.

The Board found no additional disability resulting from the VA treatment in February 1995, and thus denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's hypertension was not service-connected, but his PTSD disability rating prior to January 6, 1999 was increased from 30% to 70%. The veteran is currently rated at 70% for PTSD after that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, hypertension, hearing loss, and left eye injury. The decision also noted that new evidence was submitted to reopen some of these claims but did not meet the criteria for reopening others.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and recurrent right inguinal hernia, with the hypertension receiving a 20 percent rating effective from August 1, 1992.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease with hypertension, finding that the condition is related to the veteran's active duty service.