Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the left wrist disorder, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The Board dismissed these issues as withdrawn by the Veteran. For gastroesophageal reflux disease with esophagus stricture, the evidence does not support a finding that it is related to military service or radiation exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, which is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, has been remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the hypertension is caused by or aggravated by the coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease was rated at 30 percent effective August 26, 2009. The condition met the criteria for a higher rating based on pain during movement.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current hypertension is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and further development of his claim, including consideration of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a 30 percent disability evaluation for PTSD. Service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension were also granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam. However, service connection for BPH was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain VA treatment records, conduct appropriate medical examinations, and determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and atypical Parkinson's disease have been remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The Board requires additional VA examinations to determine the onset of these conditions, their relationship to service, and whether they are related to permethrin exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities are being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of active duty and inactive duty training, as well as to schedule VA examinations for bilateral hearing loss and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and assistance due to his multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, which render him unable to perform certain daily activities without help. As a result, he qualifies for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's hypertension has been manifested by a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 and requires continuous medication for control, meeting the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development, including verification of his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a fungal infection, as well as his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board also found that there was no evidence to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim for hepatitis C, which is not related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sarcoidosis of the skin with complaints of joint pain, bilateral heel spurs with arthritis of the tarsal bone, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence showing that any condition requires constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during the past 12-month period. The rating schedule does not provide a separate rating for pain.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as noncompensable prior to November 4, 2009 and 10 percent thereafter. The Board finds that a 10 percent rating is warranted for the period prior to November 4, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death, which was caused by a myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private medical records, SSA records, and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his chronic hypertension, colon disorder, and pulmonary disorder.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board finds that his current blood pressure readings do not meet or exceed the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) and VCAA requirements. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being considered as secondary to his service-connected conditions.