Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, and the Board finds that his current symptoms are linked to in-service stressors. The VA examiner opined that his hypertension, headaches, and CAD may be aggravated by his PTSD.

The Board has determined that service connection for hypertension is not warranted as it was not caused or chronically worsened by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and atrial fibrillation are not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and bilateral knee disorder will be reconsidered.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of a disability during service and either competent medical evidence of a nexus or continuity of symptomatology. The statutory presumption contained in 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.307 and 3.309 is not applicable.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is shown to require continuous medication for control of his hypertension symptoms and is productive of diastolic pressure readings of predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure readings of predominantly 160 or more. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a separate rating of 10 percent for hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues regarding service connection and stressor verification.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 30% based on nearly continuous non-incapacitating episodes of headaches, pain, and crusting. His hypertension is currently rated as 10%, with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly over 100 requiring continuous medication for control.

The Veteran's hypertension was initially evaluated as non-compensably disabling and later increased to a 10 percent evaluation effective June 24, 2009. The Board found that the evidence supported an initial 10 percent evaluation for hypertension prior to June 24, 2009.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for hypertension and coronary artery disease as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service, and the Veteran's in-service blood pressure reading was normal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability, hypertension, right inguinal hernia residuals, right elbow surgery residuals, and vision problems are all related to his active service.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis and hypertension were not related to his service or service-connected PTSD, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including hepatitis C, abdominal disability, head injury/concussion, eye injury/abrasion, black widow spider bite, and asbestos exposure-related disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA documents. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are also being reviewed.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability, and the medical opinions provided did not support a finding that any current nephropathy with hypertension and congestive heart failure is related to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim was denied.