Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2004

The veteran's heart problems with hypertension are found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,For the period beginning May 22, 1998 and ending September 20, 2000, the veteran is granted a 10 percent evaluation for headaches. For the period starting September 21, 2000, he is granted a 50 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, a right lower eyelid laceration, and hemorrhoids were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, and lung disability including asthma and allergy, all presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. The right great toe injury claim was also denied.

The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected hypertension has been denied. The current evaluation of 10% is maintained.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim of service connection for heart disease is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension, cerebrovascular accident residuals, and psychiatric disorder were not incurred in or aggravated during active service. The Board also determined that these conditions are not proximately due to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for hypertension and left wrist disability due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his service-connected conditions and his current health issues. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of June 21, 1993 or any date earlier than has been assigned for the grants of service-connected disability benefits. The veteran was granted service connection and increased ratings for various conditions but there is no evidence that a claim was submitted prior to April 30, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, dental injury, and eye disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was caused by his service-connected PTSD and grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to procedural issues and potential need for additional evidence regarding the veteran's service in the Army National Guard.

The Board has determined that there was clear and unmistakable error in denying service connection for hypertension, which is a direct condition. The veteran's hypertension was present during service and continued post-service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Board hearing at the RO.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for lupus erythematosus with hypertension and migraine headaches, finding that the earliest legal basis for such a claim was December 7, 2000.

The veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, headaches due to trauma, and depression are being remanded for further action.

The veteran's right shoulder disorder was granted a 20 percent rating, while the other issues remained at noncompensable ratings.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, low back disorder (previously characterized as developmental anomaly of the lumbar spine), hypertension, edema of the feet, ankles, hands, abdomen, and face, diabetes mellitus, abnormal laboratory findings, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, liver disability (to include cirrhosis), respiratory (lung) disability, osteoarthritis of the major and minor joints, eye disability, tremors of the upper extremities, carpal tunnel syndrome, Meniere's syndrome, headaches with dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness, chronic Candida, low back pain with pain radiating into the hips (previously characterized as developmental anomaly of the lumbar spine), an acquired hamstring disorder, an acquired bilateral hip disorder, a bilateral knee disorder, and a bilateral elbow disorder. However, service connection is not established for any of these conditions.

The VA denied service connection for hypertension and a heart disorder, both claimed as secondary to PTSD. The evidence did not support the presence of current disabilities.

The veteran's coronary artery disease, including hypertension, is not related to his service-connected PTSD.