Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a skull concussion. The veteran does not have blindness, hypertension, or right or left knee disabilities that are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his right shoulder disability and service connection for skin condition, joints pain, memory loss, hearing loss, impotency, hypertension, right inguinal lymphoma, back condition, major depressive disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and Peyronie's disease. The evidence does not support the veteran's claims as these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, hearing loss of the right ear, pseudofolliculitis barbae with keloid formation on the back of the neck, and posterolateral ligament reconstruction of the left knee are denied as there is no evidence meeting the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The veteran died of a cerebrovascular accident, which was not service-connected. The Board found no evidence that the conditions leading to his death were caused by any incident of service.

The veteran needs regular assistance feeding himself, bathing, dressing, walking, and taking prescribed medication, and requires care or assistance on a regular basis for protection from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has determined that the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided. This includes obtaining medical records, copies of SSA decisions and supporting medical records, and a VA examination to assess the veteran's employment status.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the appeal process.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected PTSD, but rather due to a motor vehicle accident.,The appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 was also denied as she did not meet the criteria for entitlement.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and low back strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that none of the listed conditions were related to his service.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence establishing a nexus between any current disabilities and the veteran's active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, hypertension, and stroke residuals as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The evidence does not support a link between these conditions and his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and determination of service connection for left nephrectomy, aldosteronoma, and hypertension due to chemical exposure in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical records.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for soft tissue sarcoma, hypertension, and skin rashes due to Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. For the period prior to February 14, 2005, he was granted a noncompensable rating for thoracic spine contusion. From February 14, 2005, he is granted a 10% rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. However, the veteran's current hearing loss is not considered service-connected due to lack of in-service hearing impairment and no evidence showing it was caused by military noise exposure. The Board also found that hypertension is secondary to the veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and hypertension, as well as residuals of a back injury, shortening of the left lower extremity, and bilateral hip disorder. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.