Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by or contributed to by his service-connected essential arterial hypertension, which substantially contributed to his renal cell cancer.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and he did not have a pending claim at the time of his death. Therefore, his surviving spouse is denied benefits for the cause of death, nonservice-connected pension eligibility, and accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's claimed cardiovascular disability of hypertension and whether it is at least as likely as not that service-connected asbestosis either causes or aggravates this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his bilateral hearing loss did not warrant an initial rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lung disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, hearing loss, and postoperative residuals of gastric surgery as there is no current evidence of disability or a nexus to service.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction, were not related to his military service. The service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and diplopia, as well as his claim for service connection for hypertension. The veteran's hearing loss was rated at zero percent (noncompensable), while his diplopia did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Hypertension was found to be unrelated to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and hepatitis C were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and ensuring all necessary actions are taken.

The veteran is granted special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance due to his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew his claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that no new and material evidence had been presented.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension did not develop during service or as a result of his diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased PTSD evaluation, TDIU, and earlier effective date for prostatitis. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and a 10 percent rating, but denied service connection for ovarian cancer. The veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 10 percent disabling due to the history of diastolic blood pressure predominantly at or above 100.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of private medical services received at Steele Memorial Hospital on September 22, 2004 is denied due to lack of eligibility under the applicable regulations and because he had coverage through Medicare.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, depression, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and other physical complaints are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and her military service.