Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during or as a result of his military service and was likely preexisting. As such, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, was denied. The RO granted service connection for hypertension but did not assign a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension, finding that his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a kidney disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from private providers.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's hearing loss is as likely as not related to his military service. The appeal regarding hypertension was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision could be made.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient medical evidence to decide the claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case is being remanded for a VA examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, a bilateral eye disability, hypertension, and residuals of dental trauma. The claim for an initial compensable rating for GERD was granted with a noncompensable evaluation effective June 16, 2006. The claim for an initial compensable rating for chronic left ankle sprain was granted with a noncompensable evaluation effective June 16, 2006. The claim for an increased rating for chronic right ankle sprain was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and his left knee disability is rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not aggravated during his second period of active service and did not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to his service-connected conditions. The claim is therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to exposure to ionizing radiation, asbestos, herbicides, or other toxins such as mustard gas. The claim for gingival carcinoma was also denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a medical opinion regarding whether service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for skin disability, PTSD, and hypertension have been reopened. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and/or depression remains pending as new evidence has not established a link between the claimed stressors and current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by his service, and is unrelated to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's fatal renal cell carcinoma was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and headaches. The decision also noted that the Veteran was issued hearing aids for his hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension, as well as his claim for an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for PTSD in December 2007.