Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2004

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the appellant's hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

The Board granted the veteran's claim for service connection for sarcoidosis and awarded a 100% evaluation for hypertension. The other issues were either withdrawn or dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension with renal disease, which was previously denied in December 1988.

The veteran's combined disability rating is in excess of 70 percent, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The Board has also found that hypertension was incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder, residuals of a right ankle fracture, headaches, and hypertension are etiologically related to service. Therefore, these claims are granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection of hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, finding no competent evidence that the diabetes caused or permanently worsened the hypertension.

The Board found that the veteran's essential hypertension and premature ventricular contractions did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his blood pressure readings were consistently below levels required for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran's Haglund's deformity and Achilles tendinitis of the left foot were not incurred in service, as there was no evidence linking it to his military service. The other conditions (eye disability, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes) are denied due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between these disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining medical records from Drs. Bellomo and Garrett-Price, ensuring compliance with VCAA requirements, and readjudicating both the hypertension rating claim and secondary service connection issue.

The Board found that the veteran's current hypertension began during her active duty and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the appellant's current condition is related to his military service in Korea. The other issues of hypertension, inner ear disorder, and bilateral pes planus are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it is not related to his service-connected ganglion cyst of the right wrist.

The VA determined that hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the veteran's claim.

The VA denied service connection for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, as secondary to the veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right hand disability, hypertension, or left ear hearing loss that is related to his active service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is being remanded due to unclear work history, need for additional medical records, and the possibility of other disabilities affecting his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's hypertension existed prior to her period of active duty for training in June 1997 and had not been aggravated during this period. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining service department confirmation of periods of reserve service and a cardiovascular examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and determining if he is receiving Social Security disability benefits.