Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and renal insufficiency were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not qualify as a Nehmer class member for diabetes mellitus, and thus an effective date prior to May 8, 2001 is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his blood pressure readings were consistently below the threshold required by the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability prior to December 1, 2004 was denied as he is not shown to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board denied service connection for neck pain, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, and itching feet as these conditions are not linked to service.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the appellant's hypertension was incurred in or aggravated by service, and it is not proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hypertension and low back disorder with radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have been granted initial ratings, but not at the maximum levels. The hypertension has a staged rating of 10 percent effective September 24, 2004, while the low back disorder is rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, psychiatric disability (anxiety and nervousness), skin disability, respiratory disability, neurological disability, bilateral femoral epicondylitis, insomnia, and gastritis.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further proceedings consistent with its decision, including scheduling a VA examination for hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from keeping himself clean and avoiding daily hazards, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's hypertension and cervical spine disability are service-connected. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of hemorrhoids, but the Board finds that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for this condition. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed spina bifida occulta or left varicocele. There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for his genitourinary disorder or right ear hearing loss. Headaches are service-connected, but the Veteran's claim for increased evaluation was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, fatigue, and sleep apnea as secondary to a deviated nasal septum. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability were also denied. The appeal regarding restoration of 10% disability evaluation for a bilateral deviated nasal septum was not addressed due to the issues being remanded.

The Board finds that the requirements for a grant of secondary service connection have been met with respect to the CAD claim. Specifically, an October 2006 VA examination revealed a diagnosis of CAD.,With respect to the Veteran's claim for hypertension, there is no dispute as to a current disability. Indeed, a VA examination in October 2006 revealed a diagnosis of essential hypertension. As noted above, it is also not in dispute that he is service-connected for diabetes.

The Board found that the Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as he was able to perform daily activities independently and had no physical or mental incapacity requiring regular care.

The Veteran's disabilities, including arteriosclerotic heart disease and arthritis of the knees, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his current disability ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, hypertension (HTN), a heart disorder, and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in service that would support the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and hypertension. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's asthma, hypertension (secondary to PTSD), and skin condition are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical opinions.