Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The Board has found that the veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is service connected, but her hypertension was not shown to be related to service. The claims for increased evaluations of the service-connected foot callus and left ankle disorders are remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a higher initial evaluation for tinea pedis. The veteran's hypertension is not related to his military service, and the current evidence does not support an increased rating for tinea pedis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the intertwining of service connection for headaches with hypertension, and a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if current headaches are related to hypertension or an in-service automobile accident.

The veteran's appeals regarding the propriety of a dental decision and service connection for dental trauma were dismissed due to his withdrawal. The claims for hypertension, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and index finger fracture residuals are denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The veteran was not granted service connection for a headache condition, hypertension, low back disability, cervical spine disability, shoulder disability, or left ear hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, onychomycosis of the toenails, nephrectomy due to renal cancer, and bilateral optic atrophy as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II. The veteran's hypertension was not shown during or within one year after service, nor is it otherwise related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of diabetes insipidus, service connection for hypertension and thyroid disorder as secondary to diabetes insipidus, and service connection for sciatica as secondary to diabetes insipidus. The claim seeking new and material evidence for defective vision was also denied.

The Board found no evidence linking the cause of death (anoxic hypoxic encephalopathy due to cardiac arrest) to service or any service-connected disability. The veteran's hypertension and end-stage renal disease were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD due to service, and his hypertension and skin conditions are not shown to be related to service. The appeal is denied for all issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing notice as required by the VCAA.

The Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation, effective February 5, 1998. The veteran's claim is denied before this date.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a skin disorder due to exposure to ionizing radiation are being remanded as additional evidence has been submitted, and further development is required.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, were not incurred or aggravated during service or due to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for hypertension or sleep apnea, and the claim of reopening a psychiatric disability to include depression is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death and found that the appellant is not eligible for non-service-connected death pension benefits due to her husband's service in the Philippine Army, which does not qualify for VA death pension.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, ulcerative colitis, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension as they are not related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for pulmonary disability and PTSD, but reopened his claim for heart disability with high blood pressure due to new medical evidence. The rating for PTSD remains unchanged.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require aid and attendance or render him housebound.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied as he does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability due to his lung condition, which is not considered totally disabling.