Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2001

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities aggravated his non-service-connected coronary artery disease with hypertension, granting secondary service connection for these conditions.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to assess the veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date of May 15, 1992 for a 100 percent schedular evaluation for the service-connected diabetes mellitus is warranted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for sinusitis, deviated nasal septum, hypertension, eczema, right middle finger fracture, and hearing loss. The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increase in disability ratings.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and an increased rating for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability and hypertension. The left knee disability was rated as 10 percent disabling, while hypertension was not considered for a rating in excess of 10 percent due to consistent controlled readings.

The VA denied an increased disability evaluation for hypertension, currently rated at 10 percent. The veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The veteran is seeking a higher evaluation for his service-connected hypothyroidism with hypertension, atherosclerosis, anxiety, and transient ischemic attacks. The Board has ordered additional development to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Board found that the cause of death, myocardial infarction, was not caused by service-connected conditions. The veteran's heart disease and other health issues were not shown to be related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is denied, and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher original ratings for hypertension, a right heel spur with plantar fasciitis, and a left foot disability. The evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating in any of these cases.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and heart disease, including left ventricular hypertrophy, finding that the conditions were not present until many years after separation from service and are not related to service.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension had its onset during active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran is unemployable due to non-service-connected disabilities, including cervical spondylosis with disc herniation at C5-C6, mood disorder, hypertension, flexion deformity of the right fifth finger, symptoms related to back pain, and gastrointestinal disorder. The combined evaluation meets the schedular criteria for a permanent and total disability rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for hypertension, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that the severity of his condition increased within one year prior to February 11, 1999.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for hypertensive heart disease, finding that the criteria under Diagnostic Code 7007 are more nearly approximated by the veteran's symptoms.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin disorders of the hands and feet, headaches, weight gain, joint pain, hypertension, memory loss, weakness, an intestinal disorder, and cellulitis. The appeals were decided on their merits.

The veteran's arthritis of the hands and right elbow is service-connected, as are his complaints of pain and numbness above the knees. The Board finds that ED (impotence) is secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for bladder and hypertension disabilities, as well as his claim to reinstate service connection for colon cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service. The Board also found that the veteran's PTSD did not cause his hypertension.