Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's increased rating claim for his lumbar spine disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling of a Travel Board hearing and VA examinations to address his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability evaluation for chronic headaches was granted, and a 30 percent rating has been assigned since August 1, 2006. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent since February 2007, with the effective date remaining null as it pertains to this appeal. Dry eye syndrome does not match any specific diagnostic codes in the rating schedule and was evaluated under a closely related disease or injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease and hypertension are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records. The issues will be reconsidered after these records have been obtained.

The Board finds that the appellant was not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to October 22, 2007. As such, an effective date earlier than October 22, 2007 for a TDIU is not factually ascertainable.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including opinions regarding the etiology of his hypertension, tinnitus, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a statement of the case on his PTSD rating and scheduling him for a Travel Board Hearing at the Houston, Texas RO.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right leg are not productive of complete paralysis of the internal popliteal tibial nerve; nor does it represent an exceptional disability picture. A separate disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, is warranted for deep scars in the posterior popliteal fossa area of the right leg that cover an area in excess of 6 inches but not 12 inches. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left leg are not productive of a severe muscle injury; nor does it represent an exceptional disability picture. A separate disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, is warranted for deep scars on the posterior aspect of the left calf and knee areas that cover an area in excess of 6 inches but not 12 inches. The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, status post three stents, is not productive of congestive heart failure, workload of greater than 3 METs but no great than 5 METs that results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or, left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent; nor does it represent an exceptional disability picture. The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is consistent with diastolic pressure predominately 100 or more, requires continuous medication, and does not represent an exceptional disability picture.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his military service, and there is no evidence of a nexus to his service-connected PTSD or diabetes. Hypertension was first diagnosed many years after separation from service.

The Veteran's hypertension was incurred during service and is related to his military service.,The Veteran's heart disorder, including congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy, is likely secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The residuals of cerebrovascular accidents are also related to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's cause of death is listed as COPD, with CAD and hypertension as significant contributing conditions. The Board finds that the Veteran served in Vietnam during a period when herbicide exposure was presumed, and thus service connection for his coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to assess his PTSD, heart disability, hypertension, sleep apnea, and left wrist condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied. The effective date of the right elbow disorder is also denied.,Service connection has been established for diabetes mellitus, type II; however, an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including the appointment of an authorized representative and scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a skin condition, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity in service or at separation, and noting the lack of continuity of symptomatology since service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the presumptive criteria for these conditions due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is service connected as it began during his active duty and continued after retirement, with a reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, and there is no evidence of any fault on the part of VA. The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism due to the femoral fracture.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the cause of death and DIC claims, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected back disability and his death.