Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits, finding that his conditions did not meet the schedular requirements for a permanent and total disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and heart disorder, including arteriosclerotic heart disease, were incurred during active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim. The Board also determined that the claim was not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under either the old or new rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and low back disability are service-connected, with no presumption or secondary connection involved. The decision grants these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected hypertension and also denied his request for a temporary total rating due to hospitalization. The hypertension is currently rated at 10%.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for heart disease, hypertension, and sick sinus syndrome. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA has granted a 60 percent evaluation for coronary artery disease with status post coronary artery bypass graft and history of hypertension, effective from February 9, 1999.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for hypertension, effective from the date of the decision. The claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and broken right third finger were denied as not well grounded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, finding new and material evidence. The claim for hypertension remains denied as there is no direct evidence of a disability during or within one year after service.,The claim for diabetes mellitus was granted as there is current evidence of a confirmed diagnosis and treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for neck and right shoulder disabilities, as well as his hypertension disability. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was granted. No specific rating or effective date was assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him unable to care for most of his daily personal needs without regular personal assistance from others, nor does it result in an inability to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment. Therefore, special monthly compensation benefits by reason of the need for aid and attendance of another person are denied.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder and generalized skin rash, but denied service connection for hypertension and sinusitis. The veteran's appeal on the issue of TDIU was dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, hypertension, and hearing loss. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during his military service, and there is no credible supporting evidence to corroborate his claimed stressors related to PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, residuals of a right ankle sprain, hypertension, and disability manifested by left arm and left leg weakness. The appeals were based on direct evidence from service records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as his claim for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) as secondary to these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for hypertension, bilateral shin splints, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral rhabdomyolysis. The initial evaluation for hypertension was maintained at 10 percent, while noncompensable evaluations were assigned for the other conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for eczema. The veteran was not advised to submit a statement from his treating physician who related his hypertension to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for multiple conditions, including sinusitis, allergies, hypertension, and skin disorders are well-grounded. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides. The claim for PTSD remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder and restoration of a 20 percent disability rating for hypertension. The appeal is remanded to determine if the veteran has a current kidney disorder related to his service-connected diabetes or hypertension.