Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or aggravate his diagnosed hypertension, but did not address whether it aggravated his heart disorder. The claim for hypertension is denied as there is no diagnosis of a heart disorder at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for nummular eczema and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board denied service connection for an eye disability, a heart disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's keratoconus was found to have pre-existed service and not been aggravated during service.

The Veteran's hypertension and lung disorder were not found to be related to his military service, including exposure to toxins or asbestos. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including anxiety disorder, PTSD, a right upper arm lump, jungle rot, skin disease, and hypertension are denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including back problems, a left leg condition, bilateral ankle condition, right shoulder condition, high blood pressure due to herbicide exposure, and an ulcer. The decision is not considered clear and unmistakable error.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred during active service and is not otherwise related to any undiagnosed illness or other conditions. The Veteran also had a diagnosis of left knee arthritis, which he contends is due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, migraine headaches, residuals of heat exhaustion, and hearing loss. The Veteran did not have these conditions incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred. The evidence does not support a grant of service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis as well.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the Veteran did not file a substantive appeal within the required time frame.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a RO hearing officer and further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of hepatitis. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA treatment records, private medical records, and the Veteran's statements, the Board finds that none of the conditions claimed are related to active service or can be presumed due to exposure to certain hazards. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction have been granted service connection, with the hypertension receiving a 100% evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that his tinnitus, left and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and nephropathy are related to his active service.

The Veteran's hypertension was reduced from 20% to 10%, effective April 5, 2006. His lumbosacral spine disorder remains at a 20% evaluation.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development regarding whether new and material evidence supports reopening the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension.

The Board has ordered additional development for the Veteran's service connection claims, including obtaining his personnel records and scheduling him for a VA examination to determine if his diabetes mellitus Type II is related to service. The issues of reopening his hypertension, gout, and respiratory disability claims have also been remanded.

The Veteran's right knee condition is rated at 10 percent for a moderate level of instability, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not related to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is remanded.