Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the initial ratings assigned for hypertension, bronchial asthma, postoperative residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy with a history of perirectal abscess, and frostbite of the fingers are appropriate.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The veteran died before these issues could be resolved.

The Board denied the appellant's application to reopen her claim for service connection for cause of death, finding no new and material evidence that would support reopening the claim.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection of the cause of the veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back and heart disorders are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to any inservice injury or disease.

The VA determined that the veteran's hypertension with hypertensive heart disease warranted a 30 percent evaluation, effective from August 27, 1991. The Board denied an increased evaluation beyond this initial rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes due to his unemployability caused by various disabilities, including right nephrectomy secondary to malignancy, depression, hypertension, and post-operative conditions from leg fractures and orchitis.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including records from the Selective Service System, Coast Guard, VAMC Louisville, Kentucky, and any other relevant health care providers. The veteran will be provided an opportunity to submit such evidence or for the RO to obtain it on his behalf.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cataracts, ocular hypertension (versus glaucoma), and a neuropsychiatric condition as secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The claim for an increased evaluation for hypertension was granted.

The Board denied the claim as there was no evidence that any in-service disease or injury caused, contributed substantially or materially to death.

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 or housebound status due to disabilities.

The veteran is so nearly helpless that he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for corneal opacities and other diseases of the eye, as well as his request for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic glomerulonephritis with hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. The decision also noted that a cardiovascular examination was not provided in connection with the veteran's current disability rating.

The veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected post traumatic stress disorder, warranting a grant of service connection for this condition. His initial rating for post traumatic stress disorder remains at 50 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a left eye disorder and granted service connection for PTSD. The heart condition (hypertension) is not considered incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a low back disability related to his active service and has denied service connection for this condition. The veteran's second degree burns of the left arm, left axilla, and right lumbar region are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, residuals of a stroke (claimed as loss of sight, swollen ankles, and heart damage), arteriosclerotic heart disease, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and back disorder. The appeals were decided on the merits without any presumption or secondary service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension was denied as she failed to report for two scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury, residuals of Salmonella poisoning, and hypertension. The Board found that there was no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that coronary artery disease contributed to the veteran's death, warranting service connection for the cause of death.