Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person (A&A) or at the housebound rate.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a back disorder, and left knee disorder as they are not related to his military service.

The Board found that hypertension was not incurred or aggravated during active service and denied the claim.

The Board denied increased ratings for low back strain, cervical strain, and hypertension. The veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected hypertension on his ability to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow him the opportunity for a hearing before a Hearing Officer at the RO.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than October 8, 2002 for the grant of SMC at the housebound rate is denied as the veteran did not meet the legal criteria for such benefit prior to this date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of these conditions.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between the veteran's current hypertension and service, as well as its etiology.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disability, left knee condition, bronchitis, ulcer, hypertension, and cardiac condition. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The veteran's glaucoma was rated at 10 percent from August 13, 2001 to June 19, 2003 and then increased to 20 percent from June 20, 2003 to July 27, 2005. The veteran's glaucoma remains rated at 30 percent on and after July 28, 2005. Service connection for hypertension was not addressed in this decision.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current disabilities to his service, including hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesteremia. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current skin rash and hypertension are related to his service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have hypertension or congestive heart failure in service, nor was it present to a compensable degree within one year of his separation from service. Therefore, he could not establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and chondromalacia of the left knee, as well as his request to reopen a claim for right knee disorder. The decision also denied an increased evaluation for DM.

The Board has determined that the veteran's anxiety disorder and hypertension are not related to his military service or Agent Orange exposure, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and ESRD are not service-connected, as neither condition is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in Vietnam. The claims for both conditions have been denied.