Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to a service-connected disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran claims that his current condition of hypertension was incurred during active duty service. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining the Veteran's personnel file and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and sinus bradycardia, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the latter claim. The decision also found that hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims file.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, gout secondary to hypertension, and renal failure secondary to hypertension. The heart disorder claim is remanded as the Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to her service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ear disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral foot disorder, GERD, cramps in legs and feet, back disorder, headaches, arthritis of the hands, and skin infection of the feet are not supported by the evidence. The Board finds that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any period thereof.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his fatal aortic dissection and hypertension, which were factors in his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of his death is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and heart disability are related to his service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, bilateral hand disorder (to include arthritis), and diabetes mellitus have all been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a right knee disability. The claim for hypertension was denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis, while the claim for right knee disability was denied as there is no current evidence of such a condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and heart disease. The evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on the criteria provided.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded due to the need for current evaluations of his disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only due to her ability to walk with a cane, drive, and use assistive devices.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a relationship to service.

The Veteran's symptoms, including cognitive impairment and possible dementia, cause him to lack the mental capacity to handle his affairs, including the disbursement of funds without limitation. The Board finds that he is not competent for the purpose of receiving direct payment of his VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining reconstructed service treatment records and clarifying whether the Veteran's heart murmur is a congenital disease or defect.