Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to an increased rating for any condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus, hypertension secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability, dry eyes with history of inner canthus papilloma, and hypertension have been denied. The initial rating assigned for each condition is 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and dermopathy of the legs and feet have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that his current condition was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also determined that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his claim for service connection for a heart disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, bilateral foot disorder, fatigue, joint pain of elbows and wrist, low back disorder, skin rash, bilateral ankle condition, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD and for increased ratings for his PTSD, right hand disability, and right knee disability. The Veteran's hypertension was not found to be caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. His other conditions were also not granted higher ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss, hypertension, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction (ED), and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) were not incurred in or related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied the remaining claims. Service connection is granted for tinnitus as it was incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, a 100 percent schedular rating for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diverticulosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination report. The case must be readjudicated with consideration of direct theories of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service and has denied the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and seizure disorder, but denied them on their merits. The evidence submitted since the last final denial does not relate to a necessary unestablished fact or raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, right knee disability, and low back disability were not incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and lung cancer due to incomplete records, including service treatment records. The AMC/RO is instructed to obtain these records and any other relevant documents.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, diverticulitis-colon hemorrhage (claimed as a lower abdominal condition), low back disorder, and psychiatric disorder did not manifest during or as a result of his military service. As such, service connection is denied for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right shoulder injury, Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The decision found that new evidence submitted since the previous denial did not meet the criteria to reopen the claim for a right shoulder disability secondary to a wrist disability. Service connection was denied as there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The evidence does not support a finding that the hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension was denied as his diastolic pressure is predominantly less than 100 and systolic pressure is predominantly less than 200, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.