Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is currently rated as 0 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his blood pressure readings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypertension caused his current heart disabilities, including left ventricular dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy, and trace pulmonary and tricuspid regurgitation. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and TDIU have also been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hypertension or hepatitis, to include hepatitis B and C with cirrhosis of the liver, that was caused by active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a service-connected disability for any of the conditions she claims, including PTSD, hiatal hernia, hypertension, burn scar on the right middle finger, sleep disorder, hordeolum of the right eyelid, arthritis of the cervical spine, arthritis of the knees, arthritis of the feet, arthritis of the hands, arthritis of the wrists, arthritis of the elbows, and arthritis of the right shoulder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for hypertension prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since January 31, 2012. Prior to that date, his disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following such employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not incur a respiratory disability, heart disease, or arthritis in service and therefore denied these claims. The claim for hypertension was granted as it is more likely than not related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and a cardiac disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and determination due to the potential establishment of a new presumption of service connection based on exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, mood disorder due to chronic pain, and various musculoskeletal conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that no new and material evidence had been received to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC for additional development of his claims related to hypertension, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension is considered to have resulted from disease incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's hypertension developed naturally over time and was not caused by VA treatment for pinkeye. The Board finds no additional disability resulting from the VA care.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus disability and grants service connection for hypertension.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of pension debt, finding no fault on VA's part and that repayment would create undue hardship.

The Board found no service connection for hypertension due to direct or presumptive exposure, and denied the claim on a secondary basis as well.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss and hypertension due to service-connected PTSD, as well as any other issues related to his service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to the RO for additional action, including determining if service connection was established for bronchial asthma in a 1969 rating decision and effectuating that award. The Veteran is seeking service connection for chronic asthma, heart disorder, and hypertension.