Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, a cervical spine disorder, or intervertebral disc syndrome as a result of service or a service-connected condition. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and coronary artery disease. The issues are mixed as some aspects of the claim may be granted while others may not.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and due process, including obtaining missing treatment records from the Cleveland VAMC.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with a 30 percent rating assigned for coronary artery disease with hypertension. Separate compensable evaluations were also granted for hypertension.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left upper extremity ulnar neuropathy, special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate, and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for hepatitis C associated with glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome, hypertension, and heart disease. The Board found that there was no evidence to support service connection due to lack of a direct link between the veteran's active duty service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for gastritis due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board found that the veteran's thyroid disorder did not have its onset during active service or within one year of separation from active service and was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected hypertension.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and dermatitis, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding no current residuals of a cold injury to his feet and that his DM is currently controlled with medication without requiring regulation of activities or hospitalizations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertension with hyperlipidemia, bilateral pes planus, allergic rhinitis, and chronic non-specific dermatitis. The claim for headaches was not addressed as it is not related to service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's hypertension was caused by his diabetes or incurred in service, and denied service connection for hypertension.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple myeloma, gall bladder disorder, and prostate disability. The claim for hypertension was also denied. Service connection for a skin disorder is not granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors leading to PTSD. The claim for hypertension as secondary to PTSD was also denied due to lack of a diagnosis based on service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hypertension, heart disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, and residuals of an appendectomy as these conditions did not have onset during active service or within applicable presumptive periods.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. The veteran's hypertension, eye condition (diabetic retinopathy), and impotence are being remanded for additional development as they may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board finds that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and therefore, service connection for the cause of death is denied. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits is also denied.

The veteran seeks service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, including hypertension. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.