Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decision could be made.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to service or a service-connected condition, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, or PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease associated with hypertension, rated at 100 percent disabling from December 8, 2007, does not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU based on other service-connected disabilities. However, his peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities may still render him unemployable under an extraschedular rating.

The Veteran's service-connected depression was granted. His increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension were also granted, effective May 22, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD; residuals of dental surgery; hypertension; and diabetes. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than presumptions or secondary theories.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, claimed as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, has been reopened and is now considered.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, melanoma, and onychomycosis were denied as these conditions are not presumed to be related to service or herbicide exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center from August 24, 2009 to August 26, 2009 are denied as VA facilities were feasibly available and the Veteran refused transfer.

The Veteran's hypertension has been manifested by diastolic blood pressure predominantly below 100 and systolic blood pressure predominantly below 160. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran's tinnitus and hypertension have been assigned initial disability ratings of 10 percent each, the maximum allowed under VA regulations. The right great toe condition has not yet been rated.

The Veteran's bronchitis, chest pain, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The Board found that the Veteran had active duty service which supported his claims.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, which is considered a direct service connection as there was no presumption or secondary condition involved.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a current diagnosis of migraine headaches. The Veteran's claims for arthritis in the joints other than the lumbar spine and left knee have also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his hypertension is secondary or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD. Additionally, a new opinion will be sought regarding whether his hypertension was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension and PTSD have been evaluated, but the service connection for both conditions has not been established. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, and tinnitus are all found to have begun during his military service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes is service connected due to herbicide exposure, and his hypertension is secondary to the service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran is granted service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference hearing at the Louisville, Kentucky Regional Office.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed back disability and hypertension are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of injury or disease incurred during active duty for training. The appellant does not meet the basic eligibility criteria for VA pension benefits due to lack of qualifying wartime service.