Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Veteran claims compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for hypertension and a chronic disability manifested by an irregular heart beat due to the failure of the Muskogee VA Medical Center pharmacy to provide her with Klonopin in a timely manner. The Board finds that additional development is needed, including obtaining relevant medical records and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings have been remanded due to missed VA examinations and the need to obtain updated medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of prostate cancer, and thus denied secondary service connection for hypertension.

The RO denied service connection for hypertension in both July 1962 and April 1964 decisions, finding that the Veteran's blood pressure was normal at induction and did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection. The RO also noted that there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition aggravation.

The Veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus (due to herbicide exposure), and right foot injury claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for high blood pressure and refractive error of both eyes, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. The RO/AMC assigned a 30 percent evaluation for coronary artery disease effective April 22, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also granted service connection for hypertension as a result of the presumptive Agent Orange exposure, but denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for metabolic syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, gout, arthritis, rhinitis, and hypertension. The claim for PTSD was granted with a 10 percent evaluation effective July 23, 2004.

The Veteran's hypertension and skin disabilities (including eczema, phototoxic dermatitis, sequelae of chemical dermatitis with silver exfoliation, and a cyst) were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service. The Board finds insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased initial rating for PTSD. The Board found that hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and was not aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, prostate disorder, diabetes, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and stroke have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for chest pain, headaches, and sleeping problems as qualifying chronic disabilities due to the Persian Gulf War. Service connection was denied for hypertension and frequent bowel movements.

The Board denied service connection for ulcers and arthritis, but granted increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension. The Veteran's appendectomy scar was rated at the minimum compensable level.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the minimum threshold requirements for an award of TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, VA policy allows for a TDIU to be granted in all cases where a service-connected disability causes unemployability regardless of the percentage evaluations. The case is therefore remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected disabilities, including medication he takes for those conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, which now includes a psychiatric disorder. The Appellant's request for accrued benefits based on claims pending at the time of the Veteran's death is also granted.