Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2008

The Board has granted service connection for multiple joint pains to include the neck, hands, ankles, heels, right shoulder, and right elbow. Service connection for depression is also granted.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension payable at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the criteria of having a single permanent disability rated as 100 percent under the rating schedule or a separate disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for alcoholism, hypertension, smoking (status post throat biopsy), diabetes mellitus Type II, and high cholesterol. The decision also granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss with a 0 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, is not service-connected. Essential hypertension and coronary artery disease are also not service-connected, but are found to be related to diabetes mellitus. Erectile dysfunction is not service-connected, but is considered proximately due to diabetes mellitus. Chronic tinnitus is service-connected as a complication of hearing loss.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic bronchitis, and hypertension. The right ankle disability claim is pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with VA examinations to assess his left wrist and hypertension disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as her blood pressure readings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension (including as secondary to PTSD). The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus denies his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of diabetes mellitus, service connection for hypertension and heart condition, as well as elevated liver enzymes are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin rash, hypertension, urinary tract problem, and digestive disorder as they are not related to his military service or diabetes.

The veteran's claims are being remanded to the RO for further action due to new evidence submitted after previous Supplemental Statements of the Case.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have service connection for residuals of dental trauma or hypertension.

The VA determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her medical conditions.

The Board found that hypertension did not manifest in service or to a compensable degree within one year thereafter and has not been shown to be causally or etiologically related to military service or to a service-connected disorder. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The veteran's claims for left ventricular hypertrophy, low back disorder, skin disorder, and loss of memory have been denied. The claim for service connection for a low back disorder has been reopened but remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VCAA notification and a need for further development, including obtaining an examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's hypertension.

The Board denied an increased rating for hypertension, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal for hypertension was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for further development of facts pertinent to the claims.