Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, residuals of a stroke, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no competent medical evidence of any pertinent 'disability' for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and anxiety disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active duty. The Veteran's hypertension first manifested many years after service, and there is no probative evidence establishing its relationship to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected.,PTSD was initially granted with a 50% rating, but the RO later increased it to 70% effective April 28, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of their onset during his military service or connection to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of whether an extraschedular rating may be assigned.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for disability of the cervical spine and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits decisions. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance by another person or due to being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected malaria and the etiology of his claimed hearing loss, hypertension, and cardiovascular condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, right ankle disabilities, left ankle disabilities, flat feet (claimed as fallen arch), hypertension, and headaches. The Veteran did not appeal these decisions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by coronary artery disease, which is service-connected. The claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and requesting a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction contributed to his hypertension.

The weight of the probative medical evidence does not relate the Veteran's hypertension to service or a service-connected disorder, including dysthymic disorder.

The Board denied the request to reopen a claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD, finding that new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability and hypertension originated during his periods of active service, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not develop during service or within one year of discharge, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, resulting in the dismissal of all pending issues.