Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and hemorrhoids, as well as the reopening of his hepatitis claim, were denied. His PTSD and shoulder disabilities received increased ratings.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 14, 2004 were not for an emergent condition where delay would have been hazardous to his life or health. A VA medical facility was feasibly available at the time of treatment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic anemia, hypertension, and osteoarthritis are not related to his service-connected infectious hepatitis. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected mood disorder and/or ankle disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's hypertension with arteriosclerotic heart disease was not properly reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent from July 1, 2003, to January 19, 2005. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, and his coronary artery disease is currently rated at 30 percent. The veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is related to active service, including exposure to Agent Orange. As a result, service connection for hypertension is granted.

The veteran's conditions do not render him permanently bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can walk unaided with the help of a cane. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the award of special monthly pension based upon the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case due to several issues, including obtaining legible copies of medical records from Dr. E. M., providing a more thorough explanation for the denial of higher ratings, and sending VCAA notice.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service and post-service medical records, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if current disabilities are related to findings noted in service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine have been denied. The claim for hypertension has also been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, heart disorders and hypertension, right eye disability (not established), and an increased evaluation for PTSD. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The veteran's service-connected hypertensive heart disease was rated at 30 percent from February 28, 2002 through July 7, 2005. From November 1, 2005 to the present, he is rated at 60 percent for his myocardial infarction and improved ejection fraction. The veteran's hypertension was also rated at 30 percent from January 1998 through February 2002.

The Board has determined that the claims folder may be incomplete and requires further action to confirm service dates, obtain medical records, and provide the veteran with appropriate examinations. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Board determined that the veteran's cause of death, congestive heart failure, was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability. The service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease, hypertension, and a bilateral leg disorder, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The appeals were based on secondary service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable as of July 10, 2002, one year before he filed his claim for TDIU. As a result, the effective date for TDIU is assigned to July 10, 2002.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for renal disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, reflux disease, and arthritis (except of the left leg) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD; hypertension; and coronary artery disease. The veteran's anxiety disorder was not linked to any in-service stressors or events. His hypertension and coronary artery disease were not found to be related to his military service.