Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder, hypertension, and bilateral fractures of the metatarsal bones of the feet. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for hypertension, heart murmur, and blackouts due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for heart disease with hypertension, finding that the veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, and a total rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound benefits due to a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of hypertension during his military service and concluding that it did not start or result from any period of active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death. The requirements for eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code were also not met.

The Board found that the veteran's service connection claim for a back disability is not well grounded. The low back disorder was rated at 20 percent disabling, and other conditions were also considered in determining pension eligibility. The veteran did not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating.

The veteran's disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder and COPD, are rated at the minimum levels allowed by law. The RO found that his alcohol abuse was due to willful misconduct and thus not compensable.

The Board found that the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance are not well grounded. The claim for service connection was denied due to lack of evidence linking the veteran's death to his service-connected arthritis, while the claim for educational assistance was denied because the veteran did not meet the prerequisite conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disability, and hypercholesterolemia. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of these conditions during or within a year after service, and that hypercholesterolemia is not a compensable condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, an eye condition, and a respiratory condition. The RO initially denied these claims in May 1995 on the merits based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nerves secondary to his service-connected hypertension and an increased rating for hypertension with neuropathy and retinopathy, finding that there is no evidence of a link between the claimed conditions and his service-connected condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, as it found no relationship between his service-connected anxiety reaction and any current organic cardiovascular disorders.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension and skin disorder claims are not well grounded, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his period of active service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that these conditions are likely related to service. Service connection for arthritis of the hips was not established due to lack of medical evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition. The veteran's increased rating claim for cervical spine disability is also granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension on a direct incurrence or aggravation basis, and also denied his secondary service connection claim based on anxiety disorder. The RO is instructed to provide additional development as requested in the remand.

The Board found no current evidence of a heart disorder or hypertension, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, with hypertension, is currently rated at 60 percent. The medical evidence does not support a higher rating as there are no symptoms of congestive heart failure or angina on moderate exertion.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits, finding that recovery would not be against the principles of equity and good conscience.