Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it was not directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for hypertension, nosebleeds (epistaxis), and a bilateral foot disorder. The veteran's current conditions are presumed to have developed post-service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and thus denied his claim for an initial compensable evaluation.

The VA has determined that the veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, effective January 1, 2001. The Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hypertension does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it is currently manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly less than 110 and systolic pressure of predominantly less than 200, requiring continuous medication.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it did not worsen during his military service and there is no evidence of a nexus to service in post-service records.

The Board is unable to proceed with a decision on the service connection claim for diabetes mellitus and its residuals due to incomplete records, specifically the lack of service medical records and personnel/administrative records. The case is REMANDED to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, which could affect his claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus and TDIU were denied, while the claim for reimbursement of ambulance costs was referred to the RO.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including a comprehensive VA examination to assess the appellant's ability to receive aid and attendance benefits due to her disabilities.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of spinal stenosis, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hypertension has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal. Service connection is granted for hypertension as secondary to PTSD.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's cause of death to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death was denied.

The Board has determined that the current evidentiary record is out of date and requires additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling the appellant for a current VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension, eye condition, and bilateral hearing loss are not service-connected.,Specifically, the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the RO's decision denying the veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, a shoulder disability, diplopia, and a stomach condition was not in accordance with the correct new and material evidence standard. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the service-connected left shoulder disability, effective from November 2, 2000. The claim for an increased rating for hypertension remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, finding no competent evidence that these conditions were related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the veteran's heart disease was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's paranoid schizophrenia is due to disease or injury incurred in service, and this claim is granted. The claim for hypertension remains denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension but denied service connection for coronary artery disease.