Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2007

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and a low back disorder, finding that there was no chronicity of symptoms in service or post-service. The veteran's current conditions are not related to his period of active service.

The veteran's combined evaluation of 70 percent from January 1, 2002 meets the schedular requirements for a grant of entitlement to individual unemployability. However, further examination is needed to determine if his service-connected disabilities interfere with his ability to work.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was incurred in active service and is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are related to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination to assess the veteran's disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of hypertension and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability, are being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's conditions do not render him permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. He needs occasional assistance with activities such as travel following hemodialysis, but requires no assistance from devices or other people for ambulation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The VA medical opinion concluded that there is not at least as likely as not that the veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected schizophrenia.

The veteran's appeal for special monthly pension on account of the need for aid and attendance of another person is granted due to his disabilities, including type II diabetes mellitus, venous insufficiency, lung condition, essential hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The Board found that he needs regular aid and attendance as he is so nearly helpless in performing activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing himself, keeping himself clean, cooking for himself, and protecting himself from hazards.

The veteran's request for an earlier effective date for VA compensation benefits in lieu of military retirement pay was denied as the earliest legal basis is February 3, 2004.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his cardiovascular problems to active duty in the 1950s or any other period.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Hypertensive Vascular Disease (claimed as Hypertension), and an increased evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2. The veteran did not have combat duty or verified in-service stressors for PTSD. His hypertension was not found to be due to his diabetes mellitus, type 2, nor were there any other service-connected conditions that caused or aggravated his hypertension.

The Board has remanded the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for hypertension, a back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. The RO is instructed to consider these reopened claims.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and decrease in visual acuity. However, no new evidence was provided to establish a direct link between these conditions and military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for back disability with neurological impairment in the right leg, hypertension, pleural thick thickness, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred in service, nor are they related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The veteran's hypothyroidism and hypertension have also been found not to be related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatic heart disease and hypertension, finding that the conditions existed prior to service and were not aggravated by military service.

The veteran's hypertension and hyperthyroidism are not service-connected. The Board is unable to determine if the veteran's current left knee disorder is related to his service, but it is service-connected. His diabetes mellitus remains service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension with nephrotic syndrome, low back disorder, and major depression with psychotic disorder. The evidence did not establish a direct link to service or any presumptive conditions.,There is no medical evidence linking the veteran's current disabilities to his military service.