Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete information and the need to verify in-service stressors. The VA will obtain additional medical records, personnel records, and attempt to verify the veteran's claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for narcolepsy with memory loss, hypertension, and residuals of a fractured left elbow and wrist as there is no competent evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information from the veteran and SSA.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected hypertension does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of predominant diastolic pressure readings of 110 or more or systolic pressure readings of 200 or more. The preponderance of the evidence supports denying an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for a sleep disorder, including sleep apnea and narcolepsy, as well as hypertension secondary to PTSD. The evidence did not establish the presence of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, finding that his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and remanded the case to allow further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination. The claims for higher ratings for diabetes mellitus and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no service-connected disability caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the case should be returned to the RO for further development and consideration, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the appellant can establish service connection for hypertension and hepatitis C, including considering his alleged exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The RO previously denied these claims, and no new evidence was presented to reopen any of the claims.

The veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent effective January 30, 2002. The RO granted the increased rating for hypertension but denied reopening of the previously denied claim for service connection for a back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and other procedural issues. The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and epididymitis are on appeal.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) or by reason of being housebound (HB) is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a comprehensive VA medical examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death and for accrued benefits, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, and the case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and comply with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service medical records and the need for further development, including obtaining alternate forms of evidence in lieu of missing SMRs.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension with cardiomegaly warranted a 30 percent evaluation since January 12, 1998. The veteran was granted an increased rating for his service-connected disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling examinations to evaluate the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypertension, both found to be secondary to the veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis.