Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hypertension is not related to his military service and cannot be granted as service-connected.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, skin rash due to chemical exposure, and diverticulosis, status post partial colectomy was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his active duty.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease, as well as a claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for transient ischemic attacks. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and hypertension do not warrant higher disability ratings based on the current evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss disability for service connection purposes and denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disease are being remanded due to procedural issues. Additional evidence has been obtained, but the RO needs to readjudicate the claims based on this new information before making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetic nephropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange during service, and thus could not grant presumptive service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus or prostate cancer. The appellant's hypertension was also denied as it is not related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim that his psychological disorder was caused by VA's refusal to provide dental treatment for tooth number 7, which resulted in aggravation of nonservice-connected hypertension and atrial fibrillation requiring a pacemaker. The decision found no evidence of negligence or error on VA's part.

The veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in service. The Board also found that the veteran's hypertension and pancreatitis are related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's hypertension to service or any incident therein. The onset of his diabetes preceded that of his hypertension, and there is no competent medical evidence showing a link between the two conditions. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service, including presumed in-service herbicide exposure. The PTSD claim was also denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the disability and service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, low back disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, flatfeet, skin disorder, headaches, nosebleeds, sleep apnea, joint pain, depression with memory loss, sexual dysfunction, and neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, were denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident during service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, arthritis of bilateral hands, urinary disorder (prostate), and vision disorder (cataracts) due to lack of current evidence of chronic liver condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, or heart disease as claimed. The evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, polyuria, gastric esophageal reflux disease, and hypertension, were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A, Chapter 35.

The veteran's coronary artery disease, associated with hypertension, is currently rated at 30 percent effective June 1, 2000. The claim for a higher evaluation prior to February 23, 2001, was granted.

The Board found that the veteran's breathing problems, hypertension, and headaches were not caused by VA hernia repair surgery in June 1987. The evidence did not support a finding of additional disability resulting from the surgery.