Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2008

The Board found no factually ascertainable evidence supporting TDIU prior to August 28, 2003. The veteran's claim for increased ratings was received on August 28, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including providing a more comprehensive definition of 'new and material' evidence in connection with the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The RO is also instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from the Philadelphia VA Medical Center and any additional health care providers that have treated the veteran for hypertension since discharge from military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received from the veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and will remand the case for such development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD or a link between current symptoms and service. For hypertension, the Board found that it did not manifest within one year after separation from service and was not related to service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's fatal myocardial infarction or underlying conditions to service, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, cardiopulmonary disease, major depressive disorder, right shoulder disorder, and otitis media. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active military service.

The veteran is seeking an initial compensable evaluation for his hypertension, which is separate from the existing 20 percent evaluation for service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case has been remanded due to insufficient evidence and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for prostatitis, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure. The veteran's hypertension is also addressed but a decision on this issue is pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus and hypertension are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's hypertension has not warranted a compensable rating since he retired from service, and there is no evidence of an exceptional disability picture warranting extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for proper VCAA notice and additional development in order to determine whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims of service connection for hypertension, nosebleeds (epistaxis), and a bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the earliest opportunity. His claims of service connection for hypertension and increased rating for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, as well as TDIU, will be heard.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying his employment status. The VA will also need to obtain the veteran's Social Security Administration disability benefits information and conduct further examinations regarding his hypertension and PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred therein. The Board also determined that hypertension is not proximately due to or the result of any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The evidence does not establish a current disability in all of the conditions claimed, and there is no direct service connection established.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, did not reopen the claim for service connection for sinusitis due to lack of new and material evidence, and did not grant service connection for allergies.