Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Board has reopened the claim for PTSD and granted service connection. The claims for hypertension and herpes simplex virus were denied.

The Board found no evidence of hypertension during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's lay assertions were not credible. Therefore, service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board found that the appellant did not have a bilateral ankle disability or hypertension incurred in service and denied both claims.

The Veteran's unauthorized hospitalization at Hillcrest Medical Center for atrial fibrillation and COPD was found to meet the criteria for payment or reimbursement by VA, as it constituted a medical emergency that prevented timely transfer to a VA facility.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no in-service disease or injury and insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between current hypertension and service. The Board also noted that hypertension had not manifested within the one-year presumptive period after service.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected asthma, effective from the date of this decision. The criteria for a higher 100 percent evaluation have not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is causally related to his active service. The claims for hypertension and heart murmur were withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes. The decision grants service connection for hypertension based on aggravation.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including obtaining VA genitourinary examinations with a nephrologist to determine the nature and extent of any essential hypertension and whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's service-connected renal colic caused or permanently worsened his hypertension.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on September 15, 2008 at Citrus Memorial Hospital were covered under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act due to the severity of his symptoms and the unavailability of VA facilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and thus the presumption does not apply to these conditions.

The Veteran's death is presumed to have been caused by ischemic heart disease, which was found to be service-connected due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The appellant's claim for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and his cervical spondylosis remains at the initial evaluation of 10 percent. The claim for an increased rating for cervical spondylosis has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bladder cancer, finding no evidence of in-service onset or association with service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and arranging for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hypertension and psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and denied his claim. The hypertension issue was not addressed in detail.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service or any service-connected conditions. The appellant argued exposure to Agent Orange and other environmental factors, but the medical evidence did not support these claims.