Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current hypertension and coronary artery disease and his military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. Service connection will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and a heart disorder, including coronary artery disease following bypass graft surgery, are being reviewed.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, and therefore the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's death was not due to service or a service-connected disability, and thus no child or surviving spouse is eligible for DEA benefits.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension associated with Type II diabetes, finding that the Veteran's blood pressure was well controlled and did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The appeal regarding service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left-sided scalp burn due to medial nerve ablation, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease rated at 100 percent disabling, meet the criteria for special monthly pension at the housebound rate.

The Board found that the Veteran's conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated conditions such as diabetic cataracts, peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease, are not related to his active duty service. The evidence did not support a presumption of exposure to herbicides or any other specific exposure basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of hypertension, service connection for numbness of the hands other than CTS, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were denied. Service connection for a kidney disability was also denied due to lack of post-service medical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gout, hypertension, anemia, and impaired glucose tolerance as there was no evidence of a current disability or nexus to service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the service member's hypertension, which he had during his lifetime and prior to death, was related to his active service or any service-connected disability. The appellant must provide additional medical opinions on this issue.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The RO has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Social Security Administration and arranging for an examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for hypertension or hepatitis C, and denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral macular degeneration of the eyes and essential hypertension was denied as there is no confirmed diagnosis showing these conditions currently or at any time during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his aspiration pneumonia, which is considered a contributory cause of death. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the aspiration pneumonia contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hypertension and PTSD were denied service connection, with the PTSD receiving a 30 percent initial evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, gout, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and degenerative joint disease of both knees. The Veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.