Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance (A&A) has been denied as he is not shown to be in need of such care.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and assigned a 10 percent rating for the low back strain, finding that both conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was withdrawn, and the left ankle disability is rated at 20% prior to April 27, 2011, but not more than 10% beginning from that date.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's periods of active duty for training and inactive duty for training, as well as to obtain relevant medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cardiac disorders, including hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with myocardial infarction, are not service-connected as they were not shown to be incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of his cardiac disability and hypertension. The case is now pending further adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and additional development is needed before the claims can be decided on the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding left and right knee disorders. The claims for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability and hypertension remain denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the relationship between hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as a need for an updated VA compensation examination for diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hypertension is related to her military service, as evidenced by her in-service blood pressure readings and post-service treatment records. As such, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection, but he is seeking an initial compensable rating. The case is being remanded for further development including a VA examination and to address the referred claim of service connection for his cardiac condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea. The case must be remanded to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 100% to 70%, effective May 1, 2008, due to significant improvement in his condition as evidenced by VA examinations conducted in April and August 2007.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need to locate service treatment records related to the Veteran's reported service in the US Marine Corps Reserve. The claim will be reconsidered after these records are located.

The Board found no in-service exposure to herbicides or other chemicals, and thus denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that service connection for hypertension is not warranted as there is no evidence of its onset during or immediately following service, and the Veteran did not have any exposure to herbicides. The VA examiners concluded that hypertension was less likely than not incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records and authorization forms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension remains pending and requires additional development to determine the appropriate theory of service connection.