Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2003

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his cardiovascular disease, to include hypertension and atherosclerotic heart disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension warrants a 10 percent rating, as her blood pressure readings consistently fall below the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's pension is based on multiple service-connected disabilities, which combine for a rating of 100 percent. The need for regular aid and attendance was denied as he does not meet the criteria outlined in VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for hypertension and an acquired back disability, but it is not clear whether either condition was present during service or within one year of separation. The veteran's current diagnoses are essential hypertension and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension, right knee degenerative arthritis, and right leg disability are related to service. The veteran served in combat-related duties and experienced injuries during his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's hiatal hernia and esophagitis, sinusitis, and hypertension began during active duty and are therefore service-connected.

The veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disorder is found to be caused by her use of medications for other service-connected conditions. The left and right knee disorders are each rated at 20 percent, reflecting moderate impairment due to pain and weakness. Service-connected hypertension does not warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's symptom of chronic fatigue is due to an undiagnosed illness incurred in service, and thus granted service connection for this condition. However, there was no evidence showing a current diagnosis of sleep disturbance as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted service connection for left-sided costochondritis and denied the claims for higher ratings for hypertension and tinea versicolor.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his fatal conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in his left ear and hypertension, finding no new evidence to support reopening of these previously denied claims.

The Board has denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, secondary to a service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected condition that caused or contributed to the veteran's death from metastatic adenocarcinoma and hypertension. The appellant's assertions were not supported by competent medical evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and left ear hearing loss. The issue of a higher initial rating for right ear hearing loss is pending.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and is remanding the issue of service connection for high blood pressure and a heart disorder secondary to PTSD. The claim for peripheral vascular disease was previously denied, but new evidence submitted does not meet the criteria for reopening the claim.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, epidido-orchitis and a varicocele, and a skin disorder. Service connection was granted for hypertension/heart disorder and hypercholesteremia, but both were not shown during or within one year after service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a diagnosed cardiovascular disorder, hypertension, back disorder, leg disorder or ankle disorder and denied all service connection claims.