Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that an examination is necessary to determine if the veteran's hypertension developed secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The RO must obtain VA treatment records and any non-VA treatment records from Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, Dr. Duryea, and the Birmingham VA medical center for the relevant time period.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (left ankle, left knee, and hypertension) resulted in a combined evaluation of 40 percent from December 7, 1998, to September 21, 2003. The claim for a higher combined evaluation is denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examination and to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The veteran's service-connected hypertension is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptomatology does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria required for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, concluding that there is no direct or presumptive evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for arterial hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension began during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in April and May 1978, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims to the RO for its initial review of new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of these conditions during active service or within a year of discharge.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent, as his diastolic pressure has been predominantly below 130 throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus as due to herbicide exposure. The claims for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are pending and require further examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus and determine if hypertension and depression are secondary to service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Further examination and development are required.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hypertension and coronary artery disease are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence is needed to reopen the claim of service connection for cause of death, as the prior denial found no link between the veteran's service-connected anxiety and his high blood pressure contributing to his death.

The Board has determined that the case needs to be remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional treatment records. The veteran's claims of reopening his gastrointestinal bleeding claim and seeking an increased rating for hypertension are also pending.

The Board finds that the veteran did not have a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for at least 10 years prior to his death, and thus does not meet the legal requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has denied an increased rating for anxiety reaction and service connection for hypertension and heart disorder as secondary to the veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction. The case is remanded for further examination and development of records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.