Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and the current conditions are not shown to be related to military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for hypertension, bladder disorder, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. As a result, service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest within one year of separation from service and was not causally related to his diabetes mellitus or aggravated by it. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied, as the evidence did not show a diagnosis of hypertension in or caused by his period of active service. The claims for increased ratings for patella tendonitis and scars on the left foot were also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain was granted, while the claim for lumbar radiculopathy of the left leg received a 10% rating. The hypertension claim is pending and referred to the RO.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied both claims. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disability did not meet the schedular criteria.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The case will be reconsidered after these opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic bilateral knee disability was granted. His claim for service connection for hypertension, claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure, was denied. The Veteran received an initial compensable evaluation (10%) for his history of tinea pedis and onychomycosis, effective September 12, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and effective dates have been granted, with the effective date set at August 24, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's fall in his home was not caused by VA treatment, and concluded that there was no negligence or fault on the part of VA. The causation for the fall is attributed to the Veteran slipping on steps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and have denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension, claimed as a cardiovascular condition, has been withdrawn.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not begin during his service and is not related to any period of active duty. As a result, service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to new and material evidence. However, both issues of service connection (hypertension and bilateral hearing loss) need further development as they require additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of the conditions listed, and the Veteran has not submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claim for diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disorder, but denied them as new evidence does not establish a nexus to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations to determine the severity of his PTSD and the etiology of his hypertension.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service and was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability, including PTSD or asthma.