Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and did not grant a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all rated at the maximum allowed under the rating schedule. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met due to lack of evidence showing regulation of activities required by diabetes or associated pathology warranting a separate compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule him for VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to dependents' educational benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code. The Board found that rheumatic fever was not diagnosed during the Veteran's active duty service, and there was no evidence linking any current heart conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and impotence, as well as his claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain. The Veteran was not granted any new ratings for radiculopathy in either lower extremity.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues currently on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, and finds that his current conditions are related to his active service. The claims of secondary service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and impotency will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation were denied. Service connection was not established for Type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, or hypertension due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The right knee disability claim resulted in a 10% rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the propriety of apportionment of VA benefits, and thus the Board does not have jurisdiction to review it.

The Veteran seeks an effective date prior to April 14, 2005 for the award of service connection for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and diabetic retinopathy of the left eye. The Board denied this claim as there was no earlier claim for service connection.

The Board found no current disability of glomerulonephritis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The claims for hypertension and ulcer conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for heart murmur, hypertension, cyst on liver, sinusitis, enlarged prostate, and low back disorder due to Agent Orange exposure were denied as there is no positive association between such conditions and his period of active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was not granted. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by sepsis, pneumonia, and pulmonary hypertension. The cause of these conditions is unclear from the available records, but a review of terminal hospitalization records may provide additional information. The case will be remanded to obtain these records and for further medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher evaluations were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, thus denying the reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for right ulnar nerve compression was denied. The current rating of 30 percent is maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have type II diabetes mellitus or hypertension that is attributable to his active military service. The evidence does not establish a relationship between these conditions and his service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD likely contributed to his hypertension, which was a significant condition contributing to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of his death is granted.