Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The claims for secondary service connection for neurological disorder, heart disorder, and hypertension as due to diabetes mellitus were denied based on lack of medical nexus evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current hypertension and heart disability are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for hypertension and evaluation of degenerative changes, left knee. Specifically, a VA examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension, as well as an orthopedic examination to assess the current level of severity of the degenerative joint disease of the left knee.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service or due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the etiology of his hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease are not related to his service-connected tachycardia, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not begin during service and is not related to his in-service blood pressure readings. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was also determined to be noncompensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma, lipoma, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), peripheral neuropathy or burning and tingling sensations in the feet, and arthritis of the left shoulder, left hip, and cervical spine have been denied as not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to further development being required, including additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities was denied as no current diagnosis could be established. The claims for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction are pending further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently suffers from a low back condition which had its onset in service, and thus service connection is granted for this condition. The issue of high blood pressure remains pending as it was not addressed by the RO.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, a chronic disorder manifested by low back pain, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary fibrosis as secondary to the Veteran's military service. The claims for service connection for these conditions are all granted for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about VA's duty to assist in obtaining a medical examination or opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current hearing loss was caused by service, including significant noise exposure during her military career.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension are under review, with a focus on determining if they are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be incurred during service due to exposure to hostile military or terrorist activity, and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The decision also addressed hypertension and a sleep disorder as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and medical opinion regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and heart disease were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and his post-operative residuals of bilateral herniorrhaphy do not warrant a compensable evaluation.