Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension, heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability (arthritis), left knee disability, residuals of a left hand injury with tremors, and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims for increased ratings are also denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as she does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a cognitive disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claims for headaches, hepatitis C, and hypertension were denied. The claim for tinea versicolor was granted with a compensable rating of 30%. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The veteran's claim will be re-adjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that would warrant a presumption of service connection. The veteran was not shown to have PTSD as a result of an in-service stressor.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 7, 2000 for a 30 percent evaluation for chronic renal insufficiency with hypertension.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to active service or to his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to herbicides, and service connection for a prostate condition due to exposure to herbicides or ionizing radiation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diverticulitis, kidney stones, arthritis, and an enlarged liver. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, left shoulder disorder, and left ankle disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as being proximately due to or the result of the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current heart disorders, including a pulmonary aneurysm and hypertension, were not incurred or aggravated during his military service. The preexisting condition of pulmonary stenosis was found to have been present prior to service and did not increase in severity during service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for diabetes mellitus, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of the veteran's claims regarding hypertension and/or hypertensive heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any of the veteran's current health issues are related to his service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, generalized anxiety disorder with chronic dysthymia and hypertension, do not have a link to active service.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31 was denied due to the fact that his service-connected dysthymic disorder did not contribute significantly to his employment handicap. The RO is instructed to conduct a new evaluation and determine if he has a serious employment handicap.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for dysthymic disorder and for an effective date earlier than January 8, 1997 for service connection of dysthymic disorder. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or the service-connected dysthymia.

The Board denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, heart disorder, generalized arthritis, fibromyalgia, and residuals of a total left hip replacement. The veteran's service records did not show any chronic issues with these conditions.