Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's hypertension is manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more; or, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. Therefore, a compensable evaluation for hypertension has been denied.

The Veteran's initial staged ratings for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension have been granted, with a 30% evaluation from July 14, 2003 to August 21, 2010. Service connection has also been established for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, but the weight of medical evidence indicates these conditions do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and left ear hearing loss was received on October 24, 2006, more than one year after his separation from active service. The Board finds that the earliest possible effective date is October 24, 2006.

The Veteran's death was caused by pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis due to bilateral pulmonary emboli. The Board has determined that further development is needed, including for asbestos exposure and Agent Orange exposure claims.

The Board has granted service connection for both hypertension and erectile dysfunction, finding that the evidence supports a link to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder, depression, diabetes mellitus type II with peripheral vascular disease, and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service. The conditions are also not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus aggravated his claimed hypertension. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, antral gastritis, and knee and wrist disabilities. The effective dates for the increased ratings were not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability was evaluated at 30 percent since June 10, 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and specific phobia (situational type) have been granted, but the hypertension claim remains pending. The initial rating for the psychiatric disability is now 70 percent effective from March 6, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected proteinuria is rated at 30 percent effective March 15, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and right ankle strain, but denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's skin rash disability claim is referred to the RO.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension was reopened and granted. His lumbar spine degenerative disk disease is currently rated at 20 percent since May 30, 2011.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death (metastatic prostate cancer) was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated during his military service, nor did it find any evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected disabilities. The Board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence is against granting service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease and laxity with internal derangement are currently rated at 20 percent each, while hypertension is not service-connected. The bilateral foot disability has been granted as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Board finds no evidence to support the appellant's claim that asbestosis exposure during service contributed to cause his death.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, which may be related to service. The Veteran should also provide any additional medical records from his treatment for hypertension.