Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a skin disability (chloracne), Peyronie's disease, colon-rectal polyps, and throat polyps. The denial is based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's disability picture encompasses a variety of significant multi-system disabilities, factually rendering her more often than not unable to safely perform virtually all activities of daily living without regular assistance from another person. The Board grants special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for stomach, hypertension, heart, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities were denied as there is no competent medical evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including renal insufficiency with hypertension, cataracts, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, hearing loss, and tinnitus render the Veteran unemployable. Therefore, the Board finds that entitlement to individual unemployability is warranted.

The Board has determined that the evidence and information currently of record are sufficient to substantiate the issue of service connection for hypertension. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be proximately due to and/or the result of his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. His peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities is currently evaluated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from November 2000 to August 2001 is granted as he meets the schedular criteria and there is probative evidence of his unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for essential hypertension was denied. His claim for increased evaluation of bilateral tinea pedis was not granted, and his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder (claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder) was granted.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for her service-connected back disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to insufficient evidentiary development. She is required to undergo new VA examinations to assess the current level of disability due to her spine disorder and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding whether the appellant's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The case must be returned for a new VA examination to determine this relationship.

The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The issues of increased evaluations for right knee arthritis and impingement, right shoulder have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board is remanding the case to comply with VCAA requirements and to determine whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the determination that his discharge is a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying military service and therefore is not eligible for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and depression were denied as there was no current disability found, and the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities due to inadequate examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis was denied. The RO found that the Veteran's left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board determined that the Veteran's low back disability and hypertension are both directly related to his service, with no indication of secondary or aggravation. The Veteran was granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic heart disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to incomplete development of the record, including obtaining additional diagnostic testing and ensuring proper notification regarding new and material evidence requirements.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hypertension was incurred during military service and granted service connection for this condition.