Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a video-conference hearing. The service connection issues for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension are still pending.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected seizure disorder, hypertension, and bilateral leg and foot pain have been found to be disabling enough for him to qualify for pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA medical opinions provided, and additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension results from a metabolic syndrome attributable to herbicide exposure during active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Board has ordered a remand to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, which was not adequately addressed in the previous examination. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board denied service connection for ventricular ectopy and hypertension (HTN), finding no current evidence of these conditions, and concluding that they are not related to service or service-connected disabilities.,Bilateral hearing loss was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was aggravated during his second period of active duty, and therefore service connection is granted.

The Veteran's preexisting left ear hearing loss was aggravated during service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The relationship between his Crohn's disease and hypertension to his active duty service are addressed through a VA examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues, including those related to neck/cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, arthritis of the lower extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, and restless leg syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate has been remanded due to insufficient information regarding his actual nonservice-connected disabilities. The VA will obtain additional medical records, including from SSA, and schedule a VA examination to determine if he is in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his military service. The claim for hypertension is also granted, but without a specific rating assigned as it remains on appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at a noncompensable rating, and the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for left shoulder dislocation was partially granted with a 10% evaluation effective April 17, 2008.,Prior to April 17, 2008, the Veteran's left shoulder dislocation is rated at a noncompensable rating. After April 17, 2008, he is entitled to a 10% evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining her SSA disability benefits records and providing an addendum to the service-connected disabilities VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right wrist disability, blood disorder, acquired mental disorder (other than PTSD), or hypertension due to service. The claim for bilateral knee disorder is denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for posttraumatic headaches, hypertension, and low back strain have been dismissed as the Veteran has indicated satisfaction with the current ratings.,The Veteran's appeal of service connection for sleep apnea has been granted.

The Veteran's adult helpless child, D.S.R., is receiving $37 in apportionment benefits. The Board has determined that an additional $50 per month would not cause undue hardship on the Veteran and grants a $50 increase in his apportionment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected chronic headaches and denied the claim.