Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2004

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for various conditions allegedly caused by VA medical treatment in May 1996, and the Board has ordered further development to determine if these claims should be granted.

The veteran's right elbow disorder is rated at 10 percent, and he has a combined evaluation of 80 percent from his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increased rating for the right elbow disorder. However, the veteran's multiple service-connected conditions collectively preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension and residuals of left CVI are not service-connected due to tobacco use or nicotine dependence, and denied his claims for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran does not have nicotine dependence, hypertension, or skin cancer that is attributable to his military service. The VA examiner determined that these conditions are more likely due to post-service tobacco use and smoking habits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hydronephrosis and an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, finding that there was no evidence of significant impairment or symptoms warranting higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for nephritis, hypertension and a heart disorder, including secondary to asbestos exposure, as well as sleep apnea. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic disease during service or post-service continuity of symptoms related to these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims will be reconsidered based on all applicable laws and regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a stomach disability, dysplasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis, hypertension, and mastalgia. The evidence presented since the December 2000 rating decision is not new and material to reopen any of these claims.

The Board granted a TDIU effective February 21, 2001 and increased the veteran's service-connected back condition to 60 percent disabling. The issues of hearing loss and diabetes mellitus Type II due to herbicide exposure were also addressed.

The veteran's service connection claim for cardiovascular disability, specifically hypertension, is granted. The initial noncompensable evaluation for his low back disability was also granted.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, tinnitus, residuals of a medial meniscectomy of the right knee, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee are all rated at their maximum levels. The effective date for his total rating by reason of individual unemployability is March 9, 2000.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that his causes of death (cardiorespiratory arrest and hypertension) were not caused by any incident of service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The Board found that the veteran does not have an employment handicap and is already suitably employed, thus denying his claim for vocational rehabilitation training.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death and also denied eligibility for dependents' educational assistance benefits under Chapter 35. The causes of death were listed as cardio-pulmonary arrest, with underlying causes of congestive heart failure, hypertension, and noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and verify the veteran's claimed Vietnam-era exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a claimed sleep disorder, as well as his claim for hypertension. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.