Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for a comprehensive VA internal medicine examination to determine if his current diabetes mellitus had causal origins in active service and whether any other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, renal disease, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, were caused or aggravated by the diabetes.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and congestive heart failure are service-connected, with the latter being secondary to the former.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the VA determined that his hypertension and coronary artery disease did not warrant a compensable or increased rating, respectively. The decision also noted that there was no evidence of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that they were not related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not present in service or within one year after discharge, and is not etiologically related to active service. As such, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination. The appeal will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that his blood pressure readings do not support a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's heart disease is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for his coronary artery disease and hypertension, as these conditions are presumed to be related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, including records from his attending physician and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits determination. The VA will also schedule a specialized examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause his death. The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was secondary to his chronic kidney disease, which was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address whether vascular hypertension is caused or aggravated by service-connected pulmonary fibrosis and/or tuberculosis.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia and lumbosacral spine disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension with history of left ventricular hypertrophy is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. A separate 10 percent rating for hypertensive heart disease is also granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service, and to obtain VA treatment records. The claims for service connection are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to address the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, depression, and hypertension are not yet fully developed. The RO is directed to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding these issues and afford the Veteran an opportunity to perfect her appeal by filing a Substantive Appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and further development is required before a decision can be made on the issues of service connection for heat stroke and cardiovascular disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.