Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right foot injury, tinnitus, hypertension, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hearing loss as there is no evidence of an in-service disease or injury that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a stroke and hypertension, both found to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) on account of being in need of the aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not service-connected for any disability, and his nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not directly related to his military service or secondary to his already service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an appropriate medical opinion.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The combined rating of 70% does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as there are no additional disabilities to bring the combined rating to at least 70%.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and secondary service connection claims related to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened, but the new evidence did not establish service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of a stroke, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete service records and need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to address the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and high cholesterol, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after his active service. The right leg disability claim was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and coronary artery disease (CAD) as the appellant did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam during active military duty. The claims were also denied on a secondary basis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, hypertension, and tinea pedis were denied as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current hypertension to his service, and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that service connection for hypertension is warranted, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including lower back disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, heart condition, hypertension, closed head injury residuals, hepatitis, syncope (fainting), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disability. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the appellant requires regular aid and attendance due to her physical disabilities, which necessitates assistance on a regular basis to protect herself from daily environmental hazards. The decision grants special monthly compensation for a surviving spouse based on need for regular aid and attendance.