Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was aggravated during service, and therefore grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated medical evaluations for her service-connected bronchial asthma, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The issues of a compensable evaluation prior to June 10, 2004 and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent beginning June 10, 2004 for service-connected bronchial asthma are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed hypertension is a result of his service-connected CAD, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, heart disease, hypertension, and endocarditis. The evidence did not show that these conditions began during or were otherwise caused by his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and gout as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding that hypertension and varicose veins are related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive and restrictive lung disease, major depressive disorder and anxiety, onychomycosis (secondary to diabetes mellitus), left shoulder disability, hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus), heart disease (including congestive heart failure and edema of the legs) (presumptively due to Agent Orange exposure), PTSD, and granted an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus. The Board also remanded the issue of SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD effective June 16, 2010. The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension are presumed to be due to exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's speech articulation disorder and hypertension have been granted service connection, but the issue of service connection for hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure is on hold pending regulations.

The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including Raynaud's syndrome and hypertension. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations, and consider his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal condition and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his coronary artery disease is caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his military service.

The Veteran's claimed coronary artery disease and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service, nor are they proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected mitral regurgitation. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection under any theory of entitlement.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable evaluation. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes. The Board also found that the Veteran had a short visit to Vietnam in June/July 1970, which is presumed to have exposed him to herbicides. Service connection was granted for peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities and hypertension due to service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic hypertension is granted. His bilateral hearing loss and stress fracture of the left tibia with bone spur removal are each rated as noncompensable, but his trigeminal neuralgia warrants a separate evaluation of at least 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure. The decision found no in-service onset or link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not show a current disability for VA purposes.