Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and status post non-Q wave myocardial infarction, as well as pes planus with plantar fasciitis and degenerative joint disease, are being remanded for further development.

The veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to April 27, 2006, and a rating greater than 10 percent thereafter.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II and denied service connection for coronary artery disease, essential hypertension, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities.

The appeal is remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion on the etiological relationship between the veteran's service and his death.

The veteran's hypertension is service-connected, and his coronary artery disease is considered secondary to the hypertension. The abdominal aortic aneurysm and headaches are not service-connected.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and hypertension, are shown to produce increasingly disabling manifestations that would prevent the veteran from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The veteran is entitled to compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hypertension and GERD, as these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for a heart disability, stomach disability (stomach ulcer), and hypertension.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new medical examination to address the questions of service connection and aggravation.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for hypertension is being remanded to the RO/AMC for further development, including a VA examination and review of additional evidence.

The veteran's hypertension has not been more than 10 percent disabling since he filed his claim for an increased rating.

The appeal is remanded for a new examination to determine the existence and etiology of the veteran's currently diagnosed hypertension.

The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claims for service connection for head pains and neuritis, including as secondary to PTSD, and hypertension, including as secondary to PTSD. The claims were denied.