Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found no current disabilities related to the conditions claimed, or that were incurred during active military service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and right knee disability, finding no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The veteran's failure to report for VA examinations prevented the possibility of obtaining such evidence.

The Board finds that the appellant's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his hypertension, coronary artery disease and stroke residuals. As such, these conditions are granted as secondary to PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link between these conditions and military service.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 60 percent evaluation effective August 2, 2005. His hypertension was also granted an increased rating to 60 percent.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, and special monthly compensation for aid and attendance/housebound status.,The veteran's service-connected conditions include left ankle fracture, deep vein thrombosis of the left leg, hypertension, tinnitus, abdominal aortic aneurysm (right iliac aneurysm, left iliac aneurysm), and bilateral hearing loss. The maximum schedular evaluation for his left ankle fracture is 20 percent.,The veteran's combined rating from all service-connected disabilities is 40 percent, which does not meet the percentage requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for further development and examination to determine the nature of his disabilities, their etiology, and whether any additional disability is due to VA care or negligence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and seizure disorder are denied as there is no evidence of recent seizures or blood pressure readings meeting the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied the reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that no new and material evidence had been received to support the claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including an examination and consideration of whether diabetes or its secondary heart condition has aggravated the veteran's hypertension.

The Board has determined that the evidence and information currently of record are sufficient to substantiate the grant of service connection for hypertension as a separate ratable entity. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for coronary artery disease with left ventricular hypertrophy is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, insomnia, a left hip disorder, hypertension (secondary to rheumatic fever), and vision disability (secondary to rheumatic fever). The heart disability claim was also denied. New and material evidence was not received in some cases.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal disability, diagnosed as GERD, was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service. The VA examiner found no medical evidence linking the current GERD to the acute gastroenteritis he experienced during service. As for hypertension, there is no competent medical evidence establishing a nexus between the condition and service. The veteran's anxiety disorder has been rated at 30 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions regarding service connection for various heart disorders, hypertension, pneumonia residuals, and bronchitis.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed ASHD, MI, three vessel CAD, and hypertension were not incurred in service or due to untreated hypertension. As a result, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a left knee disorder, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for laceration of the right hand and thumb extensor tendon. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and arrange for a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary in this case due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's claimed status post cerebrovascular accident and hypertension, as well as a need for additional notice under the VCAA.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, finding that there was no clear evidence of aggravation by service or other medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, arthritis of the hips, arthritis of the feet, hypertension, or tinnitus due to lack of a justiciable controversy. The claims for these conditions are dismissed. Service connection is denied for all other issues on appeal.