Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and unclear circumstances surrounding the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's hypertension with occasional erectile dysfunction is rated at a compensable (10%) level, as the evidence shows that his diastolic pressure was predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication for control.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during his period of active duty service or any period of inactive duty training. The medical evidence indicates that the Veteran's hypertension began in September 1979, which is outside the one-year presumptive period following separation from service. Therefore, service connection for hypertension cannot be granted on a direct basis or as a result of exposure to environmental factors during active duty. Service connection for coronary artery disease has not been established and no medical opinion supports its onset during any period of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension are denied. The claim of entitlement to service connection for glaucoma of the right eye is remanded as additional development is needed. The Veteran's PTSD disability rating remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including clarification of a VA examiner's opinion regarding the cause of his coronary artery disease and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service personnel records and medical records, conduct a VA examination, and determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The issues are whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his PTSD claim, and entitlement to service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA medical records, as well as verification of SSA disability benefits. A psychiatric examination will be scheduled to address the claims.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA examiner's opinion is inadequate, and the case is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal seeking service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The claims to reopen for multiple myeloma, residuals of a left heel fracture, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and clarification of the Veteran's claim regarding his blood disorder, including determining if it is a ratable disability or merely symptoms. The examiner will also need to determine if any etiology can be attributed to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for liver cirrhosis, including portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy. The issue is now remanded to determine if service connection can be established.

The Veteran's hypertension was found to be presumptively incurred during active military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran is granted a 100 percent evaluation for chronic renal insufficiency effective June 1, 2003. The claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran had service-connected disabilities, but did not meet the criteria for enhanced DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1311(a)(2) as he was not in receipt of a total disability rating for eight years prior to his death.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for several service-connected disabilities and a TDIU. The RO has remanded these claims due to the need for further development, including reexaminations and consideration of additional evidence.