Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a skin disease. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability was not addressed as it is related to another issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been resolved as his disability rating was increased to 10 percent effective August 22, 2001. The Board finds that the underlying issue is moot since the relief sought on appeal (service connection) has been accomplished.

The Veteran is granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for hypertension and hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's death was caused by end stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with significant contributing conditions including arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung carcinoma, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Service connection for the cause of his death is granted.,The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as the Veteran's death was not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's death was caused by VA-administered cortisone injection and whether there was fault on VA's part in administering the injection.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and left heel disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service records reflect exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service. Service connection is granted for coronary artery disease due to such exposure, but hypertension is not among the diseases presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service and is not related to any disease, injury, or incident of service. The Board also determined that hypertension did not manifest within one year of service discharge and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hypertension attributable to active military service or caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's anterior left knee discomfort with a lateral tilt of the patella is due to disease or injury that was incurred in active service.,Likely as not, the Veteran has hypertension that had its clinical onset during service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss must be denied by law.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and new and material evidence, finding that no new or material evidence had been submitted to reopen his claim of service connection for diabetic retinopathy. The other claims were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis, previously characterized as a left leg condition due to shrapnel injury, was granted service connection.,The issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical examination to clarify the etiology of the appellant's hypertension, including whether it is related to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to active service, while diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not initially manifested within one year of his release from active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and hypertension was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or any link between the Veteran's current psychiatric condition (schizophrenia) and military service. For hypertension, there is also no evidence linking it to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is manifested by diastolic blood pressure readings of up to 108, and systolic blood pressure readings less than 200. The condition requires continuous medication for control. The Board finds that the evidence supports a conclusion that the Veteran's symptomatology more nearly approximates the 10 percent rating criteria.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The Board finds that the conditions are not related to his period of active duty for special work.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for PTSD have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The claim for a back disorder has been reopened, but the evidence does not support service connection. Bilateral hearing loss is denied, while tinnitus is granted.