Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis for a compensable rating. The RO granted service connection for erectile dysfunction effective December 7, 2001, but did not assign an effective date earlier than that. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities warrants ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to December 17, 2008, and 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and residuals of a stroke are related to his active duty service, granting these claims.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for chest pain (excluding CAD), epididymitis, and epididymal/scrotal cyst. The issues of service connection for hypertension, depression, coronary artery disease, gastrointestinal disability, and back disability are being decided on their merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to marital status, VCAA compliance for accrued benefits claims, and requests for VA medical records. The Appellant's eligibility as a surviving spouse is under review, along with her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not found to be related to his military service.,There is no evidence that the Veteran's current conditions had onset in or within one year of service, or are otherwise linked to his active duty.

The Board granted service connection for headaches, but denied hypertension and peripheral neuropathy claims. The decision is based on reopening of the headache claim due to new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been evaluated as noncompensable (zero percent) disabling. The evidence does not show that his blood pressure readings have predominantly reached the levels required for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is inadequate to determine whether the appellant is permanently and totally disabled, necessitating further examination. The case is therefore being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 and TDIU have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure is granted. The Board also notes that the Veteran has hypertension and bilateral cataracts, but further medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

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

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's hypertension was diagnosed during active service and is granted as incurred therein. The issues regarding coronary arteriography, angina pectoris, tachycardia, and TMD are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100% disability rating, and his previously denied claim of hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus is reopened. The issues of service connection for traumatic brain injury, bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and TDIU are all granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are not related to his service or service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and hypertension, including as due to exposure to herbicides. The decision also addressed an initial rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension was not related to service, but his current stomach disorder is presumed to have been incurred during service.,His hearing loss and tinnitus were not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule the Veteran for a hearing, and the appeal is now pending before the RO in Newark, New Jersey.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination. The appeal will be returned to the RO/AMC for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a Travel Board hearing.