Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2004

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for service-connected hypertension, as his current manifestations of hypertension do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's hypertension does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his diastolic blood pressure readings have consistently been below 110 throughout the appeal period.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation, service connection for flat feet, right knee strain, and hypertension were denied. The claim for service connection for flat feet was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for hypertension was also denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, prostate disorder, painful joints, tumors on the body, hypertension, and tumors on the vocal chords. The appeals were based on exposure to Agent Orange but no such exposure was found. Service connection could not be established as the conditions are not presumed due to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for malnutrition. The total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his nonservice-connected conditions, which include COPD, hypertension, visual impairment, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and other chronic health issues.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hypertension, residuals of kidney trauma, and PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence for the hypertension claim. The other issues were not addressed as they did not involve service connection.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for Bell's palsy, but denied service connection for hypertension and a heart condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B, PTSD, and hypertension. The denial is based on a lack of current evidence of active infectious hepatitis B.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding no evidence of a nexus to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied all issues on appeal, including increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected low back disorder, right knee disability, and hypertension.

The veteran's cause of death was determined to be ALS, which he had since 1990. His hypertension and ALS were not service-connected.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension, to include valvular disease and hypertensive heart disease is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The veteran seeks service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The case is being remanded due to the need to obtain his military personnel file from the National Personnel Records Center.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims developed during or within one year of his separation from active duty. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine the etiology and date of onset of his hypertension.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to compensation benefits for hypertension, claimed as secondary to his service-connected subluxation of the right temporomandibular joint, was denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current nature and extent of severity of service-connected hypertension. The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and nephrolithiasis. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and elevated lipids, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected schizophrenia.