Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected hypertension.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of improved nonservice-connected disability pension benefits, finding that repayment would not cause undue financial hardship and defeating the purpose for which the benefits were intended.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected emphysema with status post left spontaneous pneumothorax did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 6, 1993. The issue regarding hypertension was remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for hypertension, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his pre-existing conditions, specifically malignant hypertension and hypertensive kidney disease. The failure to provide timely dialysis hastened his death.

The veteran's claim for service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, high blood pressure with coronary artery disease, left foot fracture residuals, and hiatal hernia was denied as the disabilities are not shown to be directly related to his military service. The RO assigned a combined rating of 30 percent based on these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection, TDIU, and increased PTSD ratings were denied by the RO. The case is being remanded to complete necessary development.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence of a diagnosed condition that would warrant an increase in rating or service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension existed prior to his period of service and did not undergo aggravation during his service. Therefore, it was determined that the veteran's hypertension is not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran has an employment handicap and meets the criteria for basic entitlement to vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, had its onset during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD, a skin condition due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision also noted that the veteran had not perfected an appeal of his claim for diabetes.

The appellant's disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, are sufficient to warrant a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for hypertension, finding that her blood pressure readings do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board found no evidence to support the appellant's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disability and hypertension. The current disabilities were not shown to be related to service.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for hypertension and special monthly compensation based on being housebound, permanently bedridden, or needing regular aid and attendance. The RO found that the veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 20 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic organic brain syndrome and hypertension do not warrant increased evaluations as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to a special monthly allowance based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her disabilities, as she does not meet the criteria outlined in VA regulations.

The veteran's hypertension was not shown to have resulted from disease or injury in service, and the claim is denied.