Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and its complications, did not render him unemployable prior to November 29, 2007.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is found to be related to his service-connected hypertension, and the appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hydronephrosis with nephrolithiasis is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, which is secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, has been remanded due to the need for further development and review of all pertinent records.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since the evidence shows a history of diastolic pressure predominantly over 100 and requires continuous medication for control.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evidentiary development, including additional examinations and a dose estimate for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Wilmington RO for a videoconference hearing. The claims will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to address his claims.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for residuals of hand and wrist burn injuries and hypertension due to insufficient evidence or procedural errors.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and asthma, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not associated with his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against finding a current skin disorder related to service or exposure to chemicals in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service-connected, but his peripheral neuropathy is not.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred due to diabetes mellitus or PTSD. The claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II with peripheral neuropathy of hands and feet was granted. The claim for service connection for hypertension to include as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for a Video Conference hearing and further development as requested. The issues include reopening of PTSD service connection, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, antral gastritis, limitation of flexion/extension of left knee, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and fracture to navicular bone.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hypertension is not causally related to his military service, including as secondary to a service-connected lumbosacral strain. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's special separation benefits (SSB) in the amount of $40,532.76 received upon his discharge from service is to be recouped by withholding VA disability compensation.

The Veteran's death was determined to be service-connected, and he was in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Appellant is therefore entitled to accrued benefits for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension due to exposure to Agent Orange and as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has referred the matter of service connection for hypertension as secondary to coronary artery disease back to the RO.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, hypertension, and acquired visual loss due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.