Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The veteran's appeal involves the issues of entitlement to service connection for heel spurs and the propriety of the initial 10 percent evaluation and entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for status post myocardial infarction with hypertension since May 1, 1998. The case is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's service-connected right patellar tendinitis and lumbosacral strain were granted increased ratings, while the other conditions remained at their current levels. The veteran's hypertension was also granted an increased rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including low back strain, hypertension, and residuals of a stroke with dysarthria, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The VA has determined that the veteran's hypertension, currently rated at 10 percent disabling, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as his blood pressure readings have not reached levels warranting a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The appeal is denied as the appellant does not have basic eligibility to receive DP benefits due to a lack of certified service. The cause of death and related DIC claim are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the hypertension claim.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder and hypertension, finding that the veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated during his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a right eye injury, residuals of a left eye injury, and hypertension. The evidence submitted since the 1988 denial did not provide new or material evidence to reopen any of these claims.

The veteran's service-connected psychophysiological cardiovascular reaction and hypertension are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to changes in the law, including the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema and hypertension, both claimed as secondary to tobacco use in service, are without legal merit.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to hypertension and cerebral thrombosis, as these conditions were not related to his military service.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the service-connected coronary artery disease with hypertension, which is the highest available rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his claim. The Board also determined that hypertension was not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability from anxiety reaction.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for housebound benefits due to his ability to leave his home and perform basic self-care activities.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the veteran's current condition is etiologically related to his military service. The other issues of entitlement to service connection for a kidney disorder and right hand disability, as well as TDIU, are still pending.

The Board denied increased ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain and hypertension.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a kidney disorder, including glomerulonephritis. The appellant is seeking accrued benefits based on this application.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to July 23, 1998. The combined disability rating was 50 percent and there is no evidence that his disabilities precluded him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.