Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2 and grants this claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed low back disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the increase in his PTSD rating and the grant of a TDIU claim.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for hypertension, finding no new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected hypertension was granted, but the effective date remains March 20, 2000.,The veteran also received an effective date prior to March 20, 2000 for his service connection of hypertension.

The veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding his unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, and hypertension. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for secondary service connection for heart disease and hypertension, as well as his claim for service connection for leukopenia due to Agent Orange exposure. The decision also noted that no effective date earlier than July 10, 2001, was warranted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy as they are not among the disabilities presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding no relationship between his condition and military service or his service-connected diabetes.

The veteran's PTSD and major depression are rated at the highest possible level (70%), while his scars, disarticulation of the left hip, and hypertension are each rated at their maximum levels. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD and major depression is granted.

The Board found that the evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The additional evidence submitted since January 1994 was not new and material, thus denying reopening of the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cerebrovascular accident and hypertension, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as secondary to generalized anxiety disorder, finding no evidence linking the condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, unspecified, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, and cataracts. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for secondary service connection of hypertension, fatigue, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, tinea pedis and tinea capitis, and headaches are also granted.

The veteran's death was not eligible for VA DIC and death pension benefits as the appellant did not meet the eligibility criteria. The appellant is also not entitled to accrued benefits.

The Board found that the veteran was exposed to VX and modified VX nerve agents during Project 112, but not mustard gas or radiation. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any current lung disorder, thyroid disorder, larynx disorder, hypertension, or bilateral ear disorder are related to service exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence did not establish a nexus between current hypertension or any psychiatric condition and active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and heart disability are service-connected, with a current evaluation of 10 percent for each condition.