Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's eye disability, claimed as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment, is not presumed to be due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's hypertension was also not presumed to be due to service or Agent Orange exposure. Service connection for both conditions was granted based on direct evidence of the disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and pulmonary disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and hypertension have been granted. The decision is based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and generalized arthritis. The evidence does not show these conditions were incurred or aggravated during military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability in service or during the first post-service year, and denied service connection for residuals of a low back injury. The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to his service, and thus service connection was also denied. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was also denied as there is no evidence it became manifest in service. Bilateral hearing loss was noted on entry but did not increase during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and its secondary effect on stroke residuals is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ. The Board has determined that additional development is required due to the need for a more detailed opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, lung condition, neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), right shoulder arthritis, left hand arthritis, bilateral wrist arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral hip arthritis have been denied. The denial is based on the lack of in-service exposure to herbicides or other causative factors for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a currently diagnosed bilateral knee or ankle disability, and his right renal cyst, hypertension, GERD, hiatal hernia with esophagus narrowing and polyps, and deviated left nasal septum are all considered to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD with a 30% rating, and his left ankle fracture was rated at 10%. No effective date is provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records and service personnel records. The Board also requested medical opinions regarding whether any current psychiatric disorder, dizziness, headaches, or hypertension pre-existed his active duty service or were aggravated therein.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension and any causally related disability, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective October 31, 2006 as his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable in the year prior to his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically to attacks on the ammunition depot at Qui Nhon in Vietnam. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) were denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete information and evidence, including the need to obtain SSA records and a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and glaucoma, as well as a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back disability prior to July 31, 2006, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back disability from July 31, 2006.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical disabilities, including dementia/memory loss, is established. As a result, he qualifies for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for A&A.