Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a direct service connection for hypertension, and the Veteran's hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his diabetes mellitus. The Board also noted that there is insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between PTSD and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes, eye disorder, heart disorder, and hypertension are not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and diabetic neuropathy are not related to his military service. The evidence does not show exposure to herbicides or any other service connection basis.

The Board found no current evidence of hypertension and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. The evidence supports the Veteran's claims of in-service symptoms that led to current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of renal cell carcinoma, including his right kidney nephrectomy and transplant, are secondary to his exposure to chemicals in service. The Board also found that his hypertension is aggravated by his now service-connected residuals of renal cell carcinoma.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU on June 24, 2010 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is related to his service-connected disabilities or due to fear of hostile military activity. The claim for hypertension will also be reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal, and thus the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current hypertension and whether it is related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder as secondary to his service-connected malaria and for entitlement to TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, CAD, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and trigger finger repair of the right thumb due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Veteran's service records indicate he served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk but did not provide sufficient evidence that he was present on landmass or inland waters of Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hypertension is not related to her military service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's seizure disorder, memory impairment, high blood pressure, asthma, and headaches for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected disabilities, including iliac crest deformities or coronary artery disease. The issue of service connection for hypertension secondary to exposure to Agent Orange remains on appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to service. The Board finds that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's disabilities do not render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, thus he does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.