Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied by the RO. The Board referred the matter back to the RO for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and updating the Veteran's address.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete service treatment records, particularly those from January 1966 onwards. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and bilateral inguinal hernias are on appeal, as well as reopening of claims for hearing loss and hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a mouth injury, residuals of a leg injury, and hypertension to include as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's claims were not addressed regarding service connection due to exposure to herbicides or other presumptive conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings on his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee is withdrawn due to a request by the Veteran prior to the issuance of a decision. The current rating of 10 percent for this condition remains in effect.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, hepatitis C, a left knee disability, and a skin rash (other than service-connected chloracne) to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's statements regarding his blood pressure in service are not credible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran requires continuous medication to control his hypertension, but his blood pressure readings are predominantly below the threshold for a compensable disability rating under VA's rating criteria.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Sacred Heart Hospital for lower back pain on January 28, 2006 are approved as the treatment was emergent and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in active service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inextricably intertwined issue (PTSD) and a need for a VA examination to address whether hypertension is caused or aggravated by PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examination of his cardiovascular and orthopedic conditions.

The Board has determined that the October 2007 rating decision denying a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus did not contain clear and unmistakable error. The Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral vascular disease was denied in an earlier decision, but new evidence has been received since then to reopen this claim.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, a migraine headache disorder and sinusitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension preexisted his entry into active duty service and was not aggravated by such service. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety disorder, hypertension, familial tremor, and IBS. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for hypertension and left ear hearing loss disability, finding that there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty for training.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his military service or service-connected PTSD, and denied all issues on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, prostate cancer, bladder stones, kidney stones, and a urinary tract disability. The issues of severance of service connection for right knee meniscectomy residuals were also addressed.