Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral pyelonephritis with post-operative coronary artery disease and hypertension, as well as a TDIU claim due to service-connected disability. The veteran's current disability is primarily manifested by recurrent pyelonephritis requiring antibiotic therapy, mild to moderate hypertension, and frequent urinary tract infections.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pancreatitis began during service and is therefore granted service connection. The veteran's hypertension, currently rated at 20 percent, is also granted.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded and denied them.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the service-connected hypertension, finding that the evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

The Board granted an increased rating of 50 percent for dysthymia from January 11, 1999. The claim for service connection for hypertension and gout was also granted.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for hypertension, headaches, rash, abdominal disability, joint disability, and hair loss are not well-grounded. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is considered well-grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for heart disability, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability due to new and material evidence. The claims for left knee disability, hypertension, and kidney disorder are not well grounded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and hypertension, but denied the claims for bilateral hearing loss and right shoulder disability. The veteran's tinnitus is presumed due to in-service noise exposure, while his hypertension is not related to service or any presumptive period. His right shoulder condition is rated at 20%.

The veteran's impotency is found to be proximately caused by the medications prescribed for his service-connected PTSD. The claim of diabetes mellitus remains not well grounded as no competent evidence has been submitted demonstrating a connection to military service. The veteran's PTSD is granted an increased rating from November 24, 1998.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected myocardial infarction with hypertension, finding that the disability warrants such a rating based on recurrent angina and limited physical exertion.

The Board found no evidence to support the appellant's claim for service connection for unspecified disability or disabilities as a result of cigarette smoking during active military service and/or nicotine dependence acquired during active military service. The claim was denied because there is insufficient medical evidence linking any current conditions to service.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent, and service connection for hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, cervical muscle strain, muscle tension headaches, and lumbar muscle strain are granted as secondary to his PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's injuries in a December 1963 tractor trailer accident were not due to his own willful misconduct, and thus may be considered for pension purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bursitis and minor capsulitis of the right shoulder, costochondritis of the left rib cage, and hypertension, as well as his request for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The veteran's service-connected hypertension did not cause or contribute to his death. The severe COPD he had developed was the primary cause of his death.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus and a right shoulder disorder. However, the claims for other conditions are not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran incurred hypertension during active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that there is no evidence showing the development of hypertension or cancer of the mouth during active service, and the medical evidence does not establish a link between any current conditions and service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's hypertension is related to his service-connected residuals of a motor vehicle accident, including his recently service-connected depressive disorder. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is granted.