Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2002

The Board found that there is no competent evidence of a nexus between the veteran's hypertension and stroke and his service-connected panic disorder with agoraphobia. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for panic disorder with agoraphobia was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and Hypertension, finding no evidence of current conditions related to his military service. The claim for an effective date prior to August 7, 1996 for a 100 percent rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and mood incongruent psychotic features was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected schizophrenia did not cause his death, and there is no evidence linking his hypertension to his service or treatment. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death was denied, and benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for treatment of hypertension were also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, hypertension, skin rash due to undiagnosed illness, and weight gain due to undiagnosed illness. The conditions were not shown to be related to service or the Persian Gulf War.

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's disability evaluation from 100 percent to 30 percent for his status post kidney transplant was appropriate based on improvement in his condition as evidenced by a VA examination.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for an increased rate of nonservice-connected pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or having a single permanent disability rated 100 percent under the Schedule, with additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, or being permanently housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence showing a link between his current condition and his military service.

The veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he is deceased.

The Board finds that the appellant's hypertension does not present an exceptional disability picture, and thus, a higher rating is not warranted. The claim for an increased rating for hypertension remains denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased disability rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for hypertension, finding that the schedular criteria for a higher rating were not met and that hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty for training.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cardiovascular disability, including hypertension and stroke residuals, was incurred during his period of active service.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for hypertension is being remanded due to the possibility of his condition progressing into hypertensive heart disease, which could warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for essential hypertension and gouty arthritis, as well as his claim for residuals of exposure to hallucinogenic substances. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder secondary to hypertension and for an increased evaluation for his hypertension. The initial 10 percent evaluation for lumbosacral strain remains in place.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including his right eye disorder and degenerative joint diseases of the lumbar and cervical spines, prevent him from working. However, he is not found to be permanently and totally disabled due to these conditions.

The veteran's principal disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to care for himself without assistance from others.

The veteran's claim for service connection for gout was not addressed. The RO denied the claim for hypertension in February 1996 and the veteran did not appeal this decision. Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee was granted with a 10 percent rating effective June 26, 1984. The issue of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee remains pending.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The veteran also seeks a permanent and total rating for non-service-connected disability pension purposes, but the case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine if he meets the criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection claims related to Agent Orange exposure, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, a back disability, and skin conditions. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disorder, including hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease, was not incurred in or related to service.