Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, skin disorders (tinea versicolor, seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma), peripheral neuropathy, and ischemic heart disease were denied as the evidence did not support a direct relationship to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hip disability, to include osteoarthritis and DJD, is not related to his military service. The claim for hypertension was also denied.

The Board has remanded the issues on appeal due to a scheduling error, and the Veteran's videoconference hearing at the RO in Washington, DC is scheduled.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for the issues of bilateral foot and ankle disabilities, ovarian cyst, and heart murmur during a hearing before the Board. The remaining issue of service connection for a heart disability (to include pulmonary hypertension and hypertension) is pending.

The Board found that none of the service-connected disabilities caused or contributed substantially to the Veteran's death. The medical evidence did not support a link between Agent Orange exposure and the cause of death.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not presumed to have been incurred. The Veteran's left knee DJD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was reopened, and he is now receiving a 40 percent rating for his right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.,His left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy also received a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.,For gout in his right and left great toes, the evidence does not show symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health or incapacitating exacerbations three or more times per year. The Veteran's toe movement is noted, which precludes ankylosis.

The Veteran's skin disorder of the scalp was not shown to be related to his service and is therefore denied. The Veteran's hypertension is currently considered 'unknown' in terms of its connection to service, but it may be proximately due to his diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied reopening the previously-denied claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, glaucoma, and hypertension. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing the onset of these conditions during or within one year after his military service.,Service connection was denied as there is no medical evidence linking any of the claimed disabilities to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset in service or due to herbicide exposure, and is not otherwise related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for hypertension cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which is a direct result of his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it is not likely related to his time in service or secondary to his service-connected bipolar disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of discussion on certain medical evidence. The Veteran's hypertension will be evaluated based on all available evidence, including blood pressure readings from service.

The Veteran's hypertension and DJD of the right knee have been granted service connection, with a rating assigned.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's exposure claims and obtain any outstanding VA treatment records. The claims for service connection will be remanded for these actions.