Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The Board has granted service connection for herniated disc disease with degenerative joint disease and hypertension, both rated at 20 percent and effective November 20, 1997. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for these conditions remain unresolved.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and ischemic heart disease, finding that the current ratings of 10 percent are appropriate based on the objective findings from examination and treatment.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and hypertension have been reopened.,Service connection has been granted for the veteran's low back disability, with evidence showing that his current condition is related to injuries sustained during active military service.

The Board has requested clarification from the veteran regarding his hearing requests. As no response was received, the appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Member of the Board at the appropriate RO.

The veteran's hypertension, asthma, and tinnitus are all found to be related to his service-connected conditions. The veteran's PTSD is allowed for rating purposes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic low back pain and hypertension, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar myositis are rated at 20% each, but his other conditions do not warrant additional disability ratings. The Board denied pension benefits as the veteran is not unemployable due to these disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran did not timely appeal the denial of service connection for hypertension and headaches, which were denied in September 1996.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for hypertension, stroke, and PTSD. The PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disability secondary to his service-connected hypertension and an increased evaluation for hypertension. The evidence did not show any systolic blood pressure reading of 200 or more or any diastolic reading of 110 or more, thus preventing a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was granted, and the effective date is set to May 3, 2001.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and hypertension due to a lack of current disability evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a vitreous floater of the right eye, refractive error, and a psychiatric disorder secondary to service-connected disabilities. The appeal was also denied for service connection for a dental condition.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral pes planus with calluses.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a change in the law regarding veterans' claims assistance, and because additional evidence needs to be obtained. The veteran's hypertension claim is also being reviewed.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for hypertension, but no higher. The veteran's claim is based on the merits of his service-connected condition and not due to any exposure basis or other special circumstances.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of prostate cancer and a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction. Service connection was granted for hypertension with end-organ damage and segmental glomerulosclerosis secondary to hypertension, but the veteran is not entitled to additional compensation due to his existing service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and irritable colon syndrome, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under either the old or new VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his cardiovascular disorders to his military service or eye disability.