Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and hypertension was not well grounded. The claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma was denied because there is no competent medical evidence of a nexus between the condition and exposure to herbicides or a napalm burn. The claim for service connection for hypertension, which is secondary to PTSD, was also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking the veteran's anxiety to his hypertension.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment of the cost of unauthorized medical services is granted as he was treated at a private hospital due to an emergency cardiac condition, and no VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for left wrist tendonitis, finding that there was no current diagnosis of hypertension. The veteran's claim for a higher original evaluation for his wrist disability is well grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, a disability manifested by a low blood count, and hepatitis due to lack of competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension secondary to the appellant's service-connected major depressive disorder and also granted reopening of his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected anxiety reaction, and has granted a rating of 10% for his GSW scar. The claim for increased rating remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for gouty arthritis, arthritis, heart disease, and hypertension are not well-grounded. The evidence presented since January 1987 is not new and material to reopen any of these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, postoperative right and left carpal tunnel decompression surgeries. The evidence did not support higher evaluations based on current blood pressure readings or clinical findings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension, finding that there is no current medical diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance of another person is established, based on her inability to keep herself clean and presentable. The claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. The issue of service connection for a heart disorder is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 25, 1988, for a grant of a 100 percent evaluation for arteriosclerotic heart disease. The RO granted a 100 percent evaluation effective November 11, 1993.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his hyperthyroidism was currently rated appropriately at 10 percent. The claims for a hiatal hernia, chronic pulmonary disorder, hypertension, and bilateral cataracts were also denied as not well-grounded.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the requirements due to his disabilities.

The veteran's unauthorized private hospitalization for an acute myocardial infarction and related conditions was not authorized by the VA, and reimbursement is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension did not develop as a result of his service-connected PTSD and is therefore not granted secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to incomplete verification of his reserve duty.

The Board finds that the appellant has current service connection for arthritis of the left hip and hypertension, both determined to be related to his military service.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating, finding the evidence sufficient to establish that the condition is related to military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a disorder of the spine and granted it. The claims for service connection for disorders of the knees, ankles, arms, skin, and hypertension are denied as not well-grounded.