Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The VA denied an increased evaluation for hypertension, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that recent evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

The Board has determined that the March 1997 RO decision denying service connection for hypertension and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident is not final due to new evidence. The case is being remanded to comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims to reopen his service connection for hypertension and an injury to the spinal nerves due to a spinal tap, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 9, 1999 are denied as the treatment was not for a service-connected disability or an associated non-service-connected disorder.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and found that the appellant did not meet the requirements for eligibility to receive VA death pension benefits.

The veteran's phlebitic syndrome of the left leg and hypertension have been granted increased ratings, with a 40 percent rating for phlebitic syndrome and a 20 percent rating for hypertension.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 23, 1996 for service connection of advanced IgA nephropathy with malignant hypertension due to lack of evidence showing a claim was filed before that date.

The veteran's spouse, who is disabled and requires assistance with daily activities such as dressing and going in/out of the house, does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance benefits due to her limited functional limitations.

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hypertension is granted.

The veteran's lower extremity weakness and loss of function are attributed to non-service connected disabilities, thus denying entitlement to specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was incurred in service and continues thereafter, granting the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoarthritis of the knees. The claim for hemorrhagic fever was reopened but not granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a heart disorder, and on de novo consideration, denied said claim.

The veteran withdrew his appeal concerning the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for various conditions, including PTSD, hypertension, and residuals of a head injury. The claim for service connection for a bilateral knee condition was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for the veteran's additional disability due to closure of right leg fasciotomies performed by the VA, but the claim of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a cardiovascular disorder is pending and requires further examination.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension did not increase in severity during service and was therefore not aggravated by service. The right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the veteran contends an increase in severity warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hair loss and an increased rating for hypertension. The decision found no objective indications of chronic disability resulting from undiagnosed illness, thus denying service connection for hair loss. For hypertension, the RO reviewed the claim under both old and new criteria but ultimately determined that a 10% rating was appropriate.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 3, 1995, for a grant of an evaluation of 100 percent for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, and pacemaker insertion, with hypertension is denied.