Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and cerebrovascular accident were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of any claimed conditions, and no presumptive exposure to herbicide agents was established.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not presumed to have been incurred in service. The Board also determined that hypertension is not proximately due to, a result of, or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's cardiovascular disorder, to include hypertension, did not have its clinical onset in service and was not otherwise related to active duty. As a result, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service, including his active duty in Kuwait. The VA examiner found no evidence of a direct relationship between the Veteran's PTSD and his hypertension.,Regarding degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, the VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not caused by or aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, left wrist burn scar, digestive disorder, sleep disorder, and ED as secondary to hypertension. The remaining issues of service connection have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records, personnel records from his Army Reserves and National Guard service, and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his heart disability and hypertension.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for mitral valve prolapse and granted service connection for hypertension, COPD, and osteoporosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a heart disorder, hypertension, or other claimed conditions during service or within one year post-service. Service connection was not granted for any condition.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer have resulted in daytime voiding interval of three to four times per day, but renal dysfunction and urinary tract infections are not shown. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his combined rating is 60 percent and he has other non-service-connected disabilities that prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining worker's compensation records and clarifying the reasons for his disability retirement. A comprehensive VA examination with an occupational specialist/psychologist will be conducted to assess the Veteran's employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher initial rating for this disability is not warranted. The Veteran does not have any other conditions related to cold exposure, and his arthritis of the hands, knees, skin cancer, hypertension, and blood circulation disorder are not related to active service or cold exposure.

The Board is remanding the case to review the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death as an original claim, and to obtain additional medical records and personnel information. The appellant must provide any evidence she has to substantiate her claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's vascular hypertension is not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease and systolic dysfunction with secondary cardiomyopathy, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of National Guard service periods and obtaining etiological opinions on hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and any psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a new medical opinion on the etiology of his hypertension and coronary artery disease, as well as an examination to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease with hypertension and angina, as well as his total knee replacement of the right knee, did not cause or contribute to his death. The Board finds that these conditions were not related to his death.