Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from 1979 to 1997 for purchase of medications is denied. The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for entitlement to this benefit as he has not been awarded service connection for any disorder.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including a low back disorder, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, and bilateral ankle disorders, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes as his combined rating is 40 percent.

The veteran's non-service connected disabilities, including total hip replacement due to avascular necrosis and alcoholic liver disease, have resulted in incapacity requiring regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death, and all related decisions are vacated.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that his alcoholism was not related to his service-connected conditions and that his pulmonary hypertension was not caused by his hypertensive vascular disease. The eligibility for Dependent's Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35 was also denied.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain the appellant's complete service medical records and any private medical treatment records. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that the evidence did not warrant an evaluation greater than 10 percent for his hypertension disability or additional support for a claim of allergic rhinitis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, bilateral knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to lack of evidence showing a relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension and is granting this issue. The RO should obtain updated medical records to evaluate any current back disability, including a VA orthopedic examination. Additionally, the claims concerning an undiagnosed illness must be remanded for consideration under the new regulation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic acquired eye disorder and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension were denied. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of right ankle fracture was also denied.

The veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection, and his hypertension and sinusitis were denied increased ratings. The case is remanded for further examination of the right and left knee disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension warranted a 10 percent disability evaluation, effective August 31, 2001.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected hypertension, finding that the evidence did not show diastolic pressures predominantly 120 or more, which is required for a higher rating under both old and new VA rating criteria.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to a lack of timely filing of a substantive appeal for issues related to service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased rating for hypertension and service connection for a seizure disorder, insomnia, jaw disorder, eye and retina disorder, and migraine headaches. The RO must review the claims file to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the veteran's arteriosclerotic heart disease, status post myocardial infarctions, triple bypass grafts, hypertension and angina.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected residuals of right and left foot injuries, as well as hypertension. The current ratings are in line with the severity of his symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and residuals of a fracture to the right wrist, hand, and middle finger due to lack of new and material evidence for hypertension and absence of a current disability related to the fracture.

The Board has granted service connection for traumatic arthritis of the left knee and increased the disability evaluation for neurovascular disturbances of the feet with history of exposure to 10 percent. The veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent.