Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded for additional development and due process.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and ocular hypertension, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have been present since his military service. The effective date remains to be determined.

The Board found that there is no evidence of hypertension during active service or within one year after active service, and no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current hypertension to his military service. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not caused by his military service, specifically during Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is rated at 20 percent since March 11, 2011. Prior to that date, the disability was rated as 10 percent for limitation of motion and 30 percent for instability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension due to potential exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. The Veteran is required to provide additional information regarding his SSA benefits and VA medical examinations are needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides in Thailand and whether he had a layover in Vietnam enroute from San Francisco.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and hypertension are found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, warranting the grant of service connection for both conditions.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence received and for a VA medical examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran did not file timely notices of disagreement (NOD) regarding the initial noncompensable disability evaluations for left ear hearing loss and status post bilateral tympanic membrane perforations, which were assigned in February 2007. The appeal of these determinations is dismissed.

The Veteran's hypertension, cardiomyopathy, neuropathy, and myopia were not shown in service or related to a service-connected disability. The Board denied these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, lumbar strain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension, and sciatic radiculopathy, require him to use a wheelchair for mobility. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular system disability other than hypertension was granted, and he is now rated at 10% for this condition. His claim for service connection for hypertension was also granted. The Board found that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since the grant of service connection in November 2007. The evidence does not show that his diastolic pressure was predominantly 110 or more, or that he had systolic pressure of 200 or more during this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for hypertension, to include as being secondary to chemical dioxin exposure.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he claims is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that further development of the record is necessary, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and arranging for a medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.