Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service and is unrelated to any aspect of his service. The Board also found no evidence of a relationship between the veteran's hypertension and exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for a left ankle disability and service connection for hypertension. The left hip and back disorders were not found to be related to active military service.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to be incurred in or aggravated by such service. The Board also noted conflicting findings regarding his bilateral knee and ankle disabilities and instructed a new VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (hypertension and depressive disorder secondary to medication) are not shown to be of such nature and severity as to preclude her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for hypertension and heart disease, as related to PTSD or any other condition. The veteran's TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting opinions from the veteran's private physician regarding his service connection claims.

The veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and his migraine headaches are rated at 10 percent. The claims for higher ratings are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to ensure compliance with the VCAA. The veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD and/or diabetes mellitus is being reviewed, along with his claim for an increased rating for diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, effective from the date of claim (August 13, 2002), and denied service connection for low back disability and hypertension.

The Board has denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for hypertension due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The veteran's stressor allegations will also be verified, and he will undergo appropriate examinations to determine the nature of his current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is not service-connected and does not qualify as secondary to his service-connected depression with bipolar disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder and hypertension, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen previously denied claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeal on whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for spinocerebellar ataxia, type 3, and on entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment allowance.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and the need for further examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine, diabetes mellitus, lumbar spine, stomach, hemorrhoids, and hypertension conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service. The presumption of soundness does not apply as a pre-existing condition was noted at entry into service.

The Board determined that the veteran's hypertension clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, but did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for chronic renal failure, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The veteran's kidney failure was attributed to diabetes mellitus, which is not service-connected. Hypertension pre-existed service and did not worsen during service. Coronary artery disease developed many years after service.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by military service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD played a role in the development of his hypertension, which contributed to his death. The Board finds that service connection for the cause of death is granted.