Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disorders, to include hypertension, were not incurred in or aggravated by military service and are not related to his first period of active duty. The Board also determined that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence showing that the veteran's cardiovascular disorders pre-existed his second and/or third periods of active duty and were not aggravated thereby. As a result, the claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection are being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and a nexus opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the veteran's service and stressors, as well as VA treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for bilateral defective hearing, lung disorder (claimed as a residual of exposure to Agent Orange), hypertension, and heart disease due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be reconsidered with additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer disease did not substantially or materially contribute to cause his death, and thus denied the claim for DIC benefits.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the veteran's current hypertension had its onset during service. The claim will be reconsidered based on the results of this examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as he cannot perform many daily functions unassisted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain/sprain is service connected, but his hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The veteran's hypertension was present during service, but there is no evidence of a diagnosis within one year after discharge.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus II, finding that there was no evidence showing a direct or presumptive relationship between the conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the veteran did not file a timely notice of disagreement regarding the denial of service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the veteran's medical condition did not preclude transfer to a VA Medical Center for continuation of treatment, but due to an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence, the veteran may be granted payment of unauthorized medical expenses.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. The issues of service connection for gastrointestinal disability, vertigo, and a psychiatric disability (depression) are being remanded due to the lack of VA examination reports.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy and service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus were denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorder are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected cervical spine and left wrist disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, PTSD; a cardiovascular disorder, hypertension; a spine disorder; residuals of a head injury; and chloracne. The veteran served in Vietnam but there is no indication that his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the statutory threshold for entitlement to service connection due to a lack of current disabilities. The claims are being remanded for further development and examination.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not caused by VA negligence in prescribing contaminated Etodolac, and thus denied his claims under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.