Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, skin disorders, an undiagnosed illness, gout, muscle tension headaches, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, hearing loss, and diabetes mellitus. The reasons were that these conditions are known diseases or diagnostic entities and not due to an undiagnosed illness.

The case is being remanded for additional development to ensure all relevant medical records are obtained and reviewed, including VA and non-VA health care providers' records. The veteran will also be scheduled for a genitourinary examination.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss do not warrant higher disability ratings, while his scar from lipoma removal is currently noncompensable.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and found that the veteran's hepatitis did not warrant a compensable rating prior to June 28, 1999. However, it granted a 10 percent rating for his hepatitis beginning June 28, 1999.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and determine the validity of his claims for PTSD and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the appellant's hypertension and coronary artery disease are secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer, with hypertension being aggravated by treatment for prostate cancer over and above its pre-existing degree.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension, heart murmur, and headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The examiner noted that the veteran had normal blood pressure during service and his current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected hypertension, cystic lesion of the left femur, and residuals of a lower back injury with chronic lumbar pain have not been established. The evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for a nodule of the right hand with objective evidence of pain, as well as high blood pressure and a lower back disorder due to undiagnosed illness. The effective date is December 31, 2006.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his PTSD.

The veteran's disabilities, including his service-connected and nonservice-connected conditions, render him unable to care for himself and perform tasks incident to daily living. The Board finds that the need for regular aid and attendance is established based on the veteran's substantial reliance on his brother.

The Board determined that the veteran's cardiovascular disabilities, including aortic valvular disease and dilation of the aorta, were not incurred or aggravated by military service. The pre-existing conditions are presumed to have existed prior to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for hypertension and is granted a 30 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues, including the relationship between service-connected hypertension and a claimed kidney disease. The case is now remanded for additional consideration.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including additional evidence collection. The appeal is currently pending and will be remanded for further action.

The veteran's total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability was granted effective August 12, 2000. The RO found that the veteran became unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities starting from December 31, 1994.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and to consider new evidence since April 1998.

The veteran's case is being remanded for further development, including additional examinations and consideration of his claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, right ankle disorder, low back strain, traumatic arthritis of the left knee, postoperative residuals of reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligaments of the left ankle with traumatic arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or hypertension. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are already in effect for his left knee and left ankle disorders.