Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2004

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, poor circulation, and blood clots, including as secondary to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not show any link between these conditions and active service or post-service symptomatology.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Board found that the veteran did not perfect a timely appeal for the denial of service connection for hypertension. The claim for bronchitis was also denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for essential hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Board found that the veteran's blood pressure readings, even with prescribed medication, do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% disability rating effective December 11, 2001. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and brain disease due to trauma. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether the veteran's service-connected PTSD is related to his hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, respiratory disorder (COPD with bronchitis), bilateral hearing loss, and otitis externa. The criteria for evaluating these conditions were in effect at the time of his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sarcoidosis, when evaluated based on pre-October 7, 1996 criteria, did not warrant a compensable rating. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service. Right leg shortening was also denied due to lack of medical support and its presumed congenital nature.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension are being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board found the veteran not eligible for educational benefits under the VEAP due to his failure to make contributions. The veteran was also denied vocational rehabilitation services as he did not qualify as having an employment handicap.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the veteran's hypertension and sleep apnea to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board previously denied the veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus, bilateral hammertoe deformities with bunions and blisters, circulatory problems of the lower extremities, and hypertension. The CAVC has now remanded the case to the Board for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange, effective from July 15, 2003. The secondary service connection claims are remanded as further development is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II. The right knee disability remains under review.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hypertension and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board found that hypertension was not incurred or aggravated during the veteran's active military service and may not be presumed due to a disease or injury in service. The Board also determined that hypertension did not begin during any period of ACDUTRA, including periods of Army Reserve training.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the June 2001 denial of an increased rating for migraine headaches due to untimely filing of a substantive appeal. The TDIU claim was also denied as the veteran's combined evaluation did not meet the schedular requirements, and no extraschedular consideration is warranted.