Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, hepatitis, and obstructive sleep apnea are not service-connected as secondary to his diabetes mellitus. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substantive appeal concerning his claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to service-connected major depression with PTSD, was untimely. The case is being remanded to obtain records from the Social Security Administration.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension is found to be incurred in active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GERD and residuals of gallbladder removal. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active service.

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

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension, including obtaining VA treatment records and any police report related to his motorcycle accident.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, as his blood pressure readings have consistently been below levels that would meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a left eye cataract, both secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address whether the Veteran's hypertension and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are related to service, diabetes, or PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection and rated at 50% from November 2, 2005 to January 12, 2010.,For the period from January 12, 2010, a higher rating of 70% for PTSD was granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and hypertension. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if any current knee or hypertension disabilities are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and stomach condition were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, and denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a cold injury to the feet and legs, but denied service connection for hypertension, arthritis, and residuals of a stroke.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency, finding no evidence of a direct or secondary relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including heart murmur, diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. The Board has determined that further development is needed for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection and increased rating remain pending.