Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected residuals, groin muscle strain. The examiner must also provide opinions regarding the etiology of any currently-diagnosed hypertension and right shin and leg disorder, characterized by pain.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated noncompensably (zero percent) disabling due to the lack of sufficient blood pressure readings in a certain range required for higher ratings under DC 7101. The evidence does not meet the schedular criteria for any compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sacroiliac joint disorder is proximately due to his service-connected bilateral total knee arthroplasty and residuals, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of hypertension secondary to service-connected bilateral total knee arthroplasty remains under consideration.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder, osteoarthritis of the shoulders, elbows, wrists and knees, and cervical spine disability. The Veteran did not have any evidence of these conditions in service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, left knee disability, and PTSD were denied. The Board found no evidence of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's heart disability and hypertension are presumed to be caused by his in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected hypertension and for service connection for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for a local RO hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities, including hypertension, bilateral foot disability, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, memory loss, erectile dysfunction, ankle and leg disabilities, and diabetes mellitus. The case will be re-adjudicated based on all evidence.

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

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 20 percent since May 12, 2008, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 60 percent is warranted for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his duodenal ulcer, service connection for diverticulitis and hypertension, and service connection for a psychiatric disorder. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms were not related to his service-connected duodenal ulcer.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his active military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is unrelated to a disease or injury of service origin. The Board also noted that there is no evidence of hypertension during service or within one year after separation.

The VA determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service, and specifically denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected Crohn's disease. The Board has determined that additional development, including a medical examination and opinion, is needed before the claims can be decided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not considered sufficient to render him unemployable, and the Board denies his claim for a TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for a blood disorder, heart disease with hypertension, and kidney disease. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence of the conditions during his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill. The MRSA infection occurred after he was discharged from VA care and admitted to a private hospital.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia, hypertension (to include as secondary to hyperlipidemia), a respiratory disorder (bronchitis), and a neck disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.