Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus. The decision on hypertension is pending as it was remanded by the Court and will be addressed again after obtaining relevant treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development, including a VA examination and clarification of whether the Veteran still desires a hearing.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of hypertension or alcoholism during service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service. Therefore, these claims for service connection must be denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease with history of myocardial infarction and hypertension, as well as left ankle degenerative joint disease and left leg disability, were denied. The Board found that the current disabilities are not attributable to his period of military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for hypertension and a higher evaluation for visual impairment have not progressed further as the Veteran passed away.

The Veteran does not have hypertension or a leg disability that is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting hypertension increased in severity during his period of service from September 2001 to August 2002.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for residuals of a left index finger and hypertension were denied as the Veteran failed to report for necessary VA examinations without explanation.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and his left knee disability is also rated as 10 percent disabling. The Veteran contends that these disabilities are more severe than the current ratings suggest.,The Veteran has not provided any evidence to support a higher rating for either of his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, is granted. The claims of service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and esophageal ulcers are remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim. The right knee disorder claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, as it was first manifested within one year after his separation from active duty. The claim for service connection for depression is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a supplemental VA examination to determine if the Veteran has any currently diagnosed disabilities related to his in-service heat stroke, and to address his reports of heat intolerance and associated symptoms.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 100%, including a non-service-connected condition rated at 60%. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports an award of special monthly pension on account of being housebound.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury. The claim for secondary service connection for hypertension was also denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities aggravated his hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.,The claim of reopening a psychiatric disorder was granted, with evidence showing a current disability and a nexus between in-service issues and the current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the pendency of this claim. The Board also found that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran has currently diagnosed hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and skin disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during his active duty. The claims are therefore denied.