Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and a bilateral leg condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by his service, and is not due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also found that it is less likely than not related to his diabetes mellitus or coronary atherosclerosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records. The appellant's claims will be reconsidered after this is done.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for essential hypertension and chloracne, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher than a 10 percent rating. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was also denied as it is encompassed within the denial of the other two issues.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease, hypertension, residuals of a cerebrovascular accident, and erectile dysfunction are not related to active service or caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Board found that the Veteran's neck disability is not related to service or a service-connected condition, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin disorders, lung disorder including COPD, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening any of these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a right kidney disorder, finding no competent or credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, finding that the condition was not incurred or aggravated during active duty and did not manifest within one year of discharge. The Veteran's hypertension was initially diagnosed after his periods of active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or made worse by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left inguinal hernia and hypertension, as well as the request to sever service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by joint pain in wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and lower back. The decision also granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's left inguinal hernia repair disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the possibility of increased severity since the last VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected hemorrhoids, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of current right ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes, and there is insufficient information to determine if his hypertension developed during service or was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for type 2 diabetes mellitus was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating. The hypertension issue was also addressed, but the decision is pending due to the need for additional VA examination and clinical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are denied as there is no evidence to support the assertions of secondary service connection or a direct relationship between his current conditions and his military service.