Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease but denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, which was secondary to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in a previous VA examination, specifically regarding the Veteran's service-connected hypertension. The Veteran needs an updated examination and addendum to provide information on his diastolic and systolic pressure levels.

The Veteran's death was caused by a cerebral herniation due to cerebral edema, which was found to be related to hypertension and diabetes mellitus, both presumed to be caused by his in-service herbicide exposure. The Board determined that the service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the appellant's current hypertension to his active service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and therefore, does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's hearing loss is found to be related to in-service noise exposure. However, there is no evidence of hypertension during service or for many years thereafter, and the claim cannot be granted as presumptive due to lack of a diagnosis within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a sternoclavicular sprain is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has provided credible evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since service and current disability, warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to determine whether she has PTSD and if her hypertension is secondary to her service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the claims for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1310 and accrued benefits were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability is rated at 30 percent, and his hypertension is granted. The right eyebrow scar remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection, with the hypertension receiving a grant of service connection due to its onset during active duty service. The diabetes mellitus has also been granted service connection, but is rated at 40 percent based on the need for insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral defective hearing, hypertension, and heart disease secondary to hypertension due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for restless leg syndrome with interruption of sleep, hypertension, severe cold in feet, extreme chills, and night sweats due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions. The appeals were not granted.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension, status post pacemaker implant and aortic valve replacement were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence of such conditions during service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his left knee disability and hypertension. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for deviated nasal septum, chronic depression, and hypertension. The GERD claim was granted with a 0 percent rating prior to May 26, 2010, and a 10 percent rating from that date onwards.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate is being remanded due to outdated medical records and an inadequate examination. Updated VA treatment records are needed, and a new VA examination is required to assess his disabilities and their impact on daily life.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted an initial 10% rating, effective May 1, 2007. Service connection for a deviated nasal septum and hearing loss in the left ear were denied. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral foot disability claims are pending.