Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be processed again after the rescheduled hearing.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to service, and there is no evidence of a chronic disability within the first post-service year. The residuals of an injury to the 5th finger of the right hand were noted in service but are not considered related to service.,There is no direct evidence linking the current right hand disorder to service. While there was a history of injury during service, the current condition does not appear to be linked to that incident.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's gastritis warrants a compensable (20%) rating based on moderate symptoms and multiple small eroded or ulcerated areas.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims for cardiovascular disorder, hypertension, and chloracne. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cardiovascular disorder characterized by a systolic heart murmur and hypertension did not have its onset during active military service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active military service. Service connection for hypertension is also granted due to the Veteran's in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board found that hypertension and heart disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of chronicity during service. The Veteran's current conditions are unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension and bilateral hallux valgus were not found to warrant initial compensable ratings. The hypertension was deemed adequately controlled with medication, and the hallux valgus did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and considering additional evidence. The claims of service connection for a low back disability and reopening of his hypertension claim are being reviewed.

The Board granted service connection for vertigo/Meniere's disease, hypertension, and hepatitis C. The claims were remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension, finding no evidence of onset or aggravation during service and rejecting the Veteran's assertions regarding exposure to asbestos and Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis, hypertension, and vision loss due to incomplete records. The Veteran's treatment records from VA facilities in Puerto Rico and Japan are needed, as well as any related union payment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam, and therefore, does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents. As a result, the claims for type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are denied as they do not have direct service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, hypertension, and an initial compensable rating for a right eyebrow scar. The claim for increased rating for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that there is no relationship between the Veteran's tinnitus and his active duty service, and thus denied service connection for tinnitus. Service connection was not granted for hypertension as well.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from a massive intracerebral hemorrhage, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disorder and granted it, finding that there is a reasonable possibility that his current left eye disorder is secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The claim was previously denied in May 1997 and again in July 2003 due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional pertinent evidence and for a new VA examination to determine his employability.