Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The veteran's elevated cholesterol, alcohol dependency, and hypertension were all found to have onset in service or are related to service. The claims for these conditions are granted.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for hypertension effective May 18, 1995. The case is held in abeyance pending completion of the development requested.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a cholecystectomy, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorder, hypertension, and respiratory disorder are all related to his active service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as he is not helpless or blind, nor so nearly helpless or blind as to require such assistance. The RO has also awarded a 30 percent rating for mood disorder, 10 percent ratings for hypertension and enlarged prostate with nocturia, and noncompensable ratings for bronchitis and gastritis/pancreatitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for essential hypertension and gouty arthritis (claimed as gout) secondary to his service-connected kidney stones have been denied. The RO previously denied these claims in July 1990, which became final.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to new and existing legal requirements, including the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The issues include service connection for hypertension, a pension rating, and reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied as there is no evidence of hypertension meeting the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable regulations, and the other conditions do not meet the requirements for direct service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back injury, shoulder injury, head injury, and hypertension with cerebrovascular accident residuals. The Board found that there was no evidence of infectious mononucleosis in service or any other condition related to service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have hypertension related to his military service and denied both his claim for service connection for hypertension and his request for an increased rating for lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran is unemployable due to multiple disabilities, including chronic lumbar syndrome and degenerative joint disease. The evidence shows he suffers from a combination of conditions that prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.