Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or as a result of being housebound due to her various disabilities, which do not meet the criteria set forth in VA regulations.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on August 21, 2007 for high blood pressure and headache were found to be of such nature that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention would have been hazardous to life or health. Therefore, payment or reimbursement is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus. The decision also addressed separate ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, finding that none met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected porphyria, finding that there is sufficient medical evidence to support this determination.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, polyneuropathy, coronary artery disease including carotid stenosis, and stroke are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, arthritis of all major joints, ulcers, and hypertension as secondary to medication prescribed for his service-connected urticaria.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected hypertension, and he is granted service connection for this condition. However, the Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's heart disorder is not service-connected due to unrelated hypertension. His lung disorder, diagnosed as interstitial fibrosis with a lung transplant, is also not service-connected and the appeal for TDIU is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein. The claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and sleep disorder were not related to his military service or any service-connected condition. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the initial compensable evaluation for hypertension was also denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for PTSD, right arm scar, skin rash, inguinal hernia, migraine headaches, residuals of a left knee injury, or low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus or microalbuminuria caused or aggravated his hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was granted, as he won his tort claim and received $20,000 in settlement.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for additional residuals of a lightning strike, including eye or visual impairment and cardiovascular disability to include carotid artery in the neck and hypertension, was denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension, and loss of use of a creative organ are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further examination. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Member of the Board at the RO level.