Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psoriasis with arthritis involving multiple joints, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol. The decision found that elevated cholesterol is not a disease or disability for which compensation can be granted.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death due to ischemic cardiomyopathy, finding that there was no evidence linking the veteran's death with his service-connected rheumatic fever. The Board also noted that hypertension and arteriosclerosis were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure and hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board finds that the veteran's heart disease, including residuals of a myocardial infarction, originated in service and is therefore granted service connection. The issue of hypertension was also addressed and found to be related to service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension benefits due to the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he does not meet the criteria set forth in VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension began during his active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and there were no pending claims for accrued benefits at the time of his death. The Board denied both issues.

The Board has determined that the VA's duties to notify and assist have not been fulfilled regarding the issue of service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension as secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's motion to grant an earlier effective date for service connection due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a January 1996 decision. The Board found that the correct facts were before them, and they correctly applied the relevant regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in a previous VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively confine him to a wheelchair and preclude locomotion, meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The veteran's appeal includes claims for increased disability ratings and service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, skin disorders, hypertension, foot disorders, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and respiratory disorder. The RO has not provided proper VCAA notice and the case is being remanded to ensure compliance with the law.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and has determined that the effective date of this grant is December 13, 1982, which was the date of receipt of the veteran's original claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his appeal, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of a deceased person's claim.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death, which was listed as cardiovascular accident secondary to hypertension, did not have its onset during his military service or might be directly related to a disease, injury or event that occurred in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for cause of death is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his death to his period of active service.

The veteran's service-connected hypertension is rated at 10 percent, the minimum compensable rating.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal prior to a decision being made.