Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause his death, as other significant conditions contributing to death were found.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting glomerulonephritis with hypertension is not clearly and unmistakably shown not to have been aggravated by active service, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and varicose veins, finding that the conditions did not have their onset during service or were related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as his blood pressure readings consistently fall below the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been shown to warrant a higher evaluation as the evidence does not demonstrate that his systolic blood pressure was predominantly 160 mm. Hg. or greater, with diastolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm. Hg.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes will also be addressed.

The appellant's claim for special monthly death pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to incomplete medical records. The VA needs to obtain her hospitalization and treatment records from September 2012, as well as any other relevant records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both hands and feet, face and ears, hepatitis C, and hypertension have been denied.,Service connection is not granted for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not incurred or aggravated by his service. The Board finds the Veteran's statements regarding in-service symptoms and diagnosis of these conditions to be less credible due to inconsistencies with other evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not have onset in service and was not caused or permanently aggravated by the Veteran's active military service, to include his service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disease and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of an initial compensable rating for carotid arterial sclerosis was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hypertension was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the current disability picture is adequately described by the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a search for missing service treatment records from Fort Carson, Colorado. The Veteran's claims for hypertension and stroke residuals will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying a claimed stressor. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand has been reopened and granted. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish a current disability, as indicated by medical records showing carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board also found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his period of service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor. The claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension remains pending and will be remanded to the RO.

The Veteran has effectively lost the use of both of his lower extremities due to service-connected disabilities, which require the use of a wheelchair for mobility.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substantive appeal was timely filed, and thus his appeals for increased ratings and service connection are granted.