Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2005

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy based on herbicide exposure. The veteran's claims were not granted as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The claim for new and material evidence regarding PTSD was not reopened, and the initial rating for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction remains at 20 percent.

The veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence. The RO must obtain records of his ongoing treatment and review the claim in light of all received evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated during active service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The medical evidence did not show a relationship between these conditions and herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA and SSA records, before the claims for service connection for hypertension and gastric ulcer can be properly adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and need for further development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and potential stressor events in service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia, a skin disorder (contact dermatitis), sleep apnea, and snoring and tiredness. The reasons include that there is no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for renal disease, hypertension, and their relationship to in-service exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board finds that the veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is established, meeting the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and residuals of a right eye injury as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension did not begin during service and is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II. As a result, the claim for secondary service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO in Montgomery, Alabama.

The veteran's appeal of the denial of his service connection claim for hypertension has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the veteran.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the veteran's heart disease and hypertension are causally related to his active service, including as secondary to his service-connected pulmonary tuberculosis. The claim for a compensable evaluation for pulmonary tuberculosis is also denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied because there is no evidence of a current diagnosis. The issue of secondary service connection for hypertension due to PTSD is dismissed as moot since the primary claim for PTSD has been denied.

The Board has restored the veteran's 20 percent rating for hypertension, effective August 5, 2004. The claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent is denied by operation of law.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and granted service connection for hypertension. The claims for chest pain disability, back disability, glaucoma, and rheumatoid arthritis are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hypertension that is related to his service-connected schizophrenia and/or any medication taken for treatment of the service-connected schizophrenia.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, finding no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service.