Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for appendectomy residuals and service connection for hypertension were denied. The denial of the appendectomy claim is based on the inability to obtain a current VA examination due to the veteran's refusal, while the hypertension claim was denied because the new evidence did not show that the condition was present in service or developed within one year after discharge.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no well-grounded claims for the claimed disabilities, except for residuals of venereal disease, cardiovascular disability including hypertension, and a disability of the right foot.

The Board has granted a 60 percent disability rating for the veteran's failed back syndrome, effective from when his TDIU benefits were assigned. The claim for an increased disability rating for hypertension remains denied.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension, as well as a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his failure to allege any error of fact or law in the February 1994 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension and heart disease, including as secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation, is not well-grounded.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current hypertension to his active service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, prostrate cancer, and hypercholesterolemia is dismissed as he did not file a timely Substantive Appeal.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are denied as they lack supporting medical evidence and do not meet the plausibility threshold.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board finds that there is not a reasonable possibility of valid claims concerning whether the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, chronic low back disability, and hypertension were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for post traumatic stress disorder, service connection for arthritis of neck and spine, and service connection for cardiovascular disability (hypertension). The appeals were not well-grounded.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical evidence from SSA and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current disabilities and his service, thus denying all claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's CAD with a history of hypertension prior to January 12, 1998 warrants a 30 percent disability rating. As of January 12, 1998, the veteran is entitled to a 60 percent disability rating for his CAD.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of VA improved pension benefits in the amount of $8,065.00 due to severe financial hardship and inability to meet basic necessities.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's hypertension and heart disease, which are claimed as secondary to his service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation greater than 10 percent for his hypertension disorder, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either set of regulations.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to a lack of competent medical evidence showing that the veteran's service-connected heart disease caused or contributed substantially and materially to his death. The claim for dependents' educational assistance benefits was also denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for hypertension and asthma have been denied as the current ratings are deemed sufficient to cover his symptoms.