Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for depression, hypertension, heart disease, stomach disability, and back disability are not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disability manifested by hypertension or chronic hepatitis B, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The veteran's current rating for his service-connected chronic hepatitis B remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the appellant's burial expenses are deductible from her countable income, and she is entitled to special monthly death pension based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and hepatitis are service-connected based on direct evidence of their onset during service.

The Board denied an increased rating for hypertension, finding that the evidence did not show diastolic blood pressure readings predominantly 120 or more, which is required for a schedular rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for polyps and tumor of the nose, and diabetes mellitus. The new evidence submitted by the veteran suggests exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in service, which is material to his claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, thus the case is dismissed.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded to obtain additional medical records from the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. The RO will then review and reconsider the case.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational background and occupational experience.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The medical evidence did not show a diagnosis or treatment for high blood pressure or PTSD in service, nor could it establish a link between current disabilities and active service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and granted service connection for headaches, dizziness, and forgetfulness due to an undiagnosed illness. Service connection was also granted for a bowel disorder secondary to his service-connected herniated nucleus pulposus with subjective S1 radiculitis.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a nervous disorder, cardiac enlargement, and hypertension have been denied. The claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a right knee infection resulting in an above-the-knee amputation has also been denied.,The denial of the veteran's claims is based on the absence of new and material evidence to reopen his previously denied claims, as well as the lack of competent medical evidence linking any disability to VA treatment or negligence.

The Board has restored service connection for hypertension and found the veteran's claim for a right eye disability to be well grounded.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. Service connection for a respiratory disorder (including sinusitis, rhinitis, and hay fever) is denied as there is no competent medical evidence of current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disabilities, including hypertension, and dependency and indemnity compensation benefits due to his cause of death. The evidence did not support a finding that any current cardiovascular disability was incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board has determined that new evidence was received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection, but it is unclear whether the conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's essential hypertension is service-connected, as it was present during his active duty and is considered to be of service origin.

The veteran's disabilities, including emphysema and hypertension, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes based on their severity or combined effect.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied in March 1972. New evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim, and it is determined that hypertension and heart disease are not related to service or any service-connected disability. The veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint and disc disease is rated at 40 percent since March 29, 1993.

The Board has found that the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of an injury to the right tympanic membrane are not well grounded. As such, these claims have been denied.