Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2005

The veteran's combined rating of 70 percent from January 1, 2002 meets the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, further examination is needed to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The veteran died from non-service-connected causes while hospitalized at a VA facility. The appellant's claim for a service-connected burial allowance is denied as the veteran did not have a pending claim for compensation benefits at the time of his death.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, as the Board has no jurisdiction in such cases.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and thus is not entitled to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of peripheral neuropathy of the left hand during or after service, and there was insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between his current PTSD symptoms and service.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to the veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus. The cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and heart disease, is being remanded due to a lack of evidence addressing its etiology.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a bilateral knee disability, and an eye disorder. The veteran also claimed secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer due to in-service herbicide exposure, but these claims are not currently adjudicated as they are not part of the current appeal.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are secondary to his service-connected major depression. The claims will be remanded for additional examination and development.

The Board denied the veteran's increased rating claim for residuals of bilateral epididymitis biopsy and his service connection claims for hypertension and a heart condition. The veteran was not granted any benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and legal entitlement to accrued benefits due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to by, a disability incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The causes of death were esophageal cancer, liver failure, and hypertension, none of which are related to service.

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

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for service-connected hypertension beginning September 15, 2003. Prior to that date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's vision in both eyes is not less than 5/200 and he does not have concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less; he is not a patient in a nursing home because of incapacity; and he has not established a factual need for aid and attendance. Therefore, the requirements for special monthly pension based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person have not been met.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to active duty service. The claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, cataracts, and hypertension. The Board found that there was no evidence of an in-service stressor sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD, and that the veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the veteran's service connection awards due to the veteran's failure to assist VA in obtaining necessary medical records.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability for hypertension or coronary artery disease, and the VA examiners concluded that these conditions were not related to military service. The chest pain was attributed to a service-connected somatization disorder.

The veteran's claim for hypertension service connection is denied. The Board finds no competent evidence linking the current diagnosis of hypertension to his period of military service or continuity of symptomatology after service. The only medical opinion indicates that the veteran's hypertension is not related to service. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claim. The veteran's left knee disability has been rated at 20 percent, and a VA examination is required for further assessment.

The veteran's dermatitis with fungus infection of the feet is rated at 10 percent. The Board has also granted service connection for hypertension, finding it likely related to hyperlipidemia incurred during service.