Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected renal insufficiency with hypertension, associated with diabetes mellitus, type II, and cataracts was rated at 30 percent prior to November 16, 2007. From November 16, 2007, to March 27, 2008, the Veteran's disability was rated at 60 percent.

The Board denied service connection for cardiovascular disease, to include hypertension. The claim was remanded multiple times due to issues with obtaining the Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) records and consideration of a statement from Dr. M.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) on all issues listed.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and consideration of whether it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease, to include as secondary to hypertension, were denied. The claim for service connection for nephrolithiasis (kidney disease) was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including acne, bilateral foot pain, high cholesterol, hypertension, and a psychiatric disorder have been denied. The claim for service connection for acne was previously denied due to it being a preexisting condition not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, and hypertension has been granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for COPD is denied, as the Veteran does not have prostrating headaches. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for headaches remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for hypertension was denied as it is not at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosed hypertension is not related to his military service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type 2. This includes obtaining medical records from Dr. T.S.B., arranging for a VA examination, and determining the etiology of any hypertension disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and kidney disease, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The conditions were not shown to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is found to have had its onset during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected right cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and the acquisition of more recent medical records.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective date, increased rating, and service connection are denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease as the conditions are presumed to have existed prior to service.

The Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied as he did not meet the requirements of having one or more disabilities rated at 60% or more, or sufficient additional disability to bring his combined rating to 70%, due to his hypertension.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions and determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and hypertension, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service exposure that would support these claims.

The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for headaches and hypertension. The Veteran's headaches were incurred in active military service and he does not have hypertension that was incurred in or aggravated during active military service.