Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and service connection. The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension did not develop as a result of his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing VCAA notice and scheduling a VA examination to determine if hypertension is caused or aggravated by service-connected coronary artery disease or PTSD with anxiety and depressive disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, loss of sense of smell, and loss of sense of taste disorders are likely related to her military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death was not caused or contributed to by a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The appeal is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction as secondary to hypertension. Service connection was denied for chest pain and right hand numbness.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II with bilateral cataracts and hypertension, as well as peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a new VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) may be causally related to his current circulatory disorder of the right lower extremity, manifested by deep vein thrombosis. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to conflicting evidence and need for further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically related to his type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. Service connection claims for right knee disability and hypertension are pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder and right foot pes planus, finding no current disability or evidence of in-service injury. The claim for hypertension is not claimed. Service connection for cervical spine spondylosis and left foot pes planus are also not claimed.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, hypertension, heart disability (cardiac murmur), right great toe disability, low back disability, residuals of cold injury to hands, and bilateral knee disability. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions at the time of the decision.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a right eye disability was granted, and he is now entitled to service connection for this condition.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension was granted, and he is now entitled to service connection for this condition based on evidence linking it to Agent Orange exposure or as secondary to other conditions.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, low energy and fatigue, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and psychiatric disability. These conditions are found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found no service connection for a cardiovascular disorder on a direct or presumptive basis, and denied the claim due to failure to report for a VA examination without good cause.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus due to his request for withdrawal of these claims prior to a decision.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have status as a veteran during any period of his Army Reserve ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA, and therefore cannot establish service connection for hypertension.