Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a thyroid disorder and hypertension, finding no indication of these conditions during his military service or within one year post-service. The evidence did not support a link to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and peptic ulcer disease, finding that the current diagnoses were not caused by or aggravated by the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and gastrointestinal disorder, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, were not incurred in or aggravated by military service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for these conditions is therefore denied.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's current hypertension to service or to a service-connected disability. The Board finds that the most competent and probative evidence indicates that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board granted service connection for chronic allergic rhinitis and hypertension, with a noncompensable rating assigned for hypertension. The Veteran's other claims were withdrawn prior to the decision.

The Veteran's heart disability, including coronary artery disease and bypass surgery, is granted as service-connected. The issue of hypertension secondary to PTSD or coronary artery disease remains pending.

The Veteran's depression is service-connected and secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's sleep apnea requires a CPAP machine, warranting a 50% initial evaluation prior to April 21, 2005. His ventral hernia warrants an initial evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension existed prior to his active duty and was not aggravated by service. The low back pain is not related to service, and PTSD symptoms are manifested as described but do not meet criteria for a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or etiology related to his military service. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity remains pending and will be addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental condition and hypertension, both claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus, were denied. The claim for higher rating of diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are found to be related to his military service, specifically his time in Vietnam. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's hypertension and his military service, including herbicide exposure. The claim was denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of hypolipemia due to withdrawal by the Veteran. Service connection is granted for hypertension and right ankle disability, with hypertension being found to have had its onset in service and a continuity of symptomatology post-service, while the right ankle disability is linked to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and his right shoulder disability is not related to service. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and bilateral cataracts, but the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for left foot disability, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, and eye disability due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and increased the rating for diabetes to 20 percent, effective July 25, 2001. The claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for diabetic retinopathy with cataracts remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claim, including consideration of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.