Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for essential hypertension and service connection for heart disease, including as secondary to service-connected essential hypertension, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional examinations may be needed to determine the appropriate ratings and whether the heart conditions are related to the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in the VA psychiatric examination report and incomplete opinions regarding service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation. Service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea are also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected hypertension and seeks to establish service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his hypertension. The case is being remanded for a videoconference hearing.

The Board found new and material evidence for Scheuermann's disease and denied other claims. The Veteran is still seeking service connection for his conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and a skin condition. Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus with an effective date of January 30, 2002.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been denied as he is not shown to be unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Veteran has hypertension that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service and this condition is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for hypertension, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran requested an increase in the disability rating for hypertension, but later withdrew the appeal before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions and claims, including those related to his knee replacements, ankle disorders, carotid stenosis, and right leg wounds. The appeals were addressed in the context of rating decisions and effective dates.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, allergies, hypertension, scar (upper back), right ear hearing loss, and migraine headaches are all rated at the maximum allowed under their respective diagnostic codes. The Board has not found any additional service-connected conditions or issues on appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension is service connected as secondary to his diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any other conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically related to his military service or to a service-connected disability, including diabetes mellitus and Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for the requested higher disability ratings or service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it was not shown to be incurred during active duty, and there is no evidence of record linking his current condition to any service-connected disability. The claim for GERD secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination for malaria. The issues of service connection for hypertension and PTSD are also pending.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and increased the rating for hiatal hernia to 10 percent, effective from June 24, 2004.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, a heart murmur, and a chronic disability manifested by blackouts due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.