Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is not related to his service or service-connected PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a psychiatric disability, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and abdominal pain, all claimed as secondary to residuals of an appendectomy. The veteran was also denied an increased rating for his service-connected appendectomy scar.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and hypertension due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal on all issues related to service connection due to his request for withdrawal. The claim for special monthly pension benefits based on need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as the veteran does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues regarding service connection for hypertension and a cardiac disorder. The appeal is currently remanded for additional examination and development.

The Board has dismissed all claims except for the TDIU, as the veteran withdrew his appeals for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and for a rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues regarding service connection for organic heart disease and hypertension. The case will be returned to the RO for additional examination and review.

The veteran's service connection for hypertension, prostate cancer residuals, and erectile dysfunction as a residual of a prostectomy was granted. The rating for prostate cancer residuals was increased to 10 percent effective February 29, 2000.

The Board has reopened the claim for a chronic acquired skin disorder and granted service connection on the merits. The claim for hypertension was denied.

The Board granted service connection for sciatica and found that the veteran currently suffers from sciatica. The issue of an increased rating for hypertension was not addressed as it is subject to a separate remand.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for varicose veins of both legs and hypertension, finding that an earlier effective date was not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension began during her active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of in-service onset or a link to service.

The veteran does not have hypertension or an elevated blood pressure.,There is no evidence of residuals from the excision of a testicular cyst during service, and there is insufficient medical evidence to link current anxiety disorder to service.,Service connection for anxiety was denied as there is no causal link between the claimed disability and active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and heart disease are not related to service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for PTSD is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disease, all claimed as a result of exposure to Agent Orange herbicide. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing the veteran served within the boundaries of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has ordered additional development as the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is incomplete due to inadequate notice and examination. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities include bilateral arm disability, left knee disability, back disorder, hypertension, pinched nerve in both lower legs, sleep apnea, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The appeal is granted for all issues.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case will be returned to the RO for the requested development, including a VA medical examination and consideration of the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD. The lung disability and skin condition claims are also granted, with the lung disability being related to herbicide exposure.