Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2009

The Board found no evidence of erectile dysfunction, hypertension, diverticulitis, diverticulosis, or irritable bowel condition being incurred during active military service. The Veteran's current conditions were not determined to be caused by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing before the Board.

The Board is remanding the case to allow for a VA examination to determine if there has been material improvement in the Veteran's hypertension since March 12, 2002. The RO must also provide proper VCAA notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claims for service connection for cause of death, basic eligibility for non-service-connected death pension benefits, and accrued benefits.

The Veteran's hypertension, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus were not incurred in service. The Board found no evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD and denied the claim based on lack of credible supporting evidence. Service connection was also denied for diabetes mellitus as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be proximately due to his service-connected PTSD. His PTSD is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 70 percent.

The Board found no evidence to support the claim that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death, and thus denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hospitalization from October 31, 2005 to December 29, 2005 was not for a service-connected disability and therefore he is not entitled to a temporary total evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all the listed issues before a decision was made.

The Board denied service connection for dyshidrotic eczema of the hands and feet, claimed as a skin disorder, and hypertension, both determined to be due to known clinical diagnoses.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, knee and spine issues, high blood pressure, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is generally independent in self-care and activities of daily living. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not show that the Veteran meets the requirements for a special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, benign prostatic hypertrophy, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, PTSD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of evidence associating these conditions with his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability did not cause or aggravate his hypertension, and thus denied secondary service connection for hypertension.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for a right knee disorder or hypertension. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of service records and need for additional information regarding the claimed stressor. The Veteran's claims will be adjudicated without regard to prior denials.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, lumbar spine disability, and lower extremity disability. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating and secondary service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated. The claim for secondary service connection based on PTSD was also denied.