Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for diabetes was denied, but his TDIU claim was granted. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gout, and a dental disorder are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of gout or a dental disorder, and his diabetes mellitus did not cause or aggravate any of these disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA examiners concluded that hypertension was not caused by Agent Orange exposure either.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus with secondary hypertension and stroke, to include as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure, is denied. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure or a link between the current disability and active service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The evidence did not show a history of diastolic pressure of predominantly 100 or more, which is required to meet the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, as his hypertension was not shown to be related to service and he did not meet VA's criteria for financial assistance or specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are rated at less than 60% combined, and his unemployability is attributed to non-service connected disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The Board has determined that additional development, including an addendum opinion from the VA examiner and obtaining relevant treatment records, is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been denied as there is no competent evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and the current disabilities are not shown to be related to his period of active military service.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Rice County District Hospital on November 4, 2011 is granted due to the emergency nature of her symptoms and the unavailability of VA facilities.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, and the Veteran's other eye disorders and sinus disorder are also now considered service connected.

The Veteran's hypertension has been assigned a 10% evaluation effective August 8, 2007.,The Veteran's residuals of graft wound have been rated at 10% since December 18, 2009.,The Veteran's hyperkeratosis with verruca vulgaris of the right foot has been rated at 10% effective December 18, 2009.

The Veteran's hypertension requires medication for control but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on diastolic or systolic pressure readings.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, type II. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and migraine headaches have been withdrawn. The appeal of the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypertension was either the primary or a contributory cause of his death from cerebral hemorrhage, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, secondary to an undiagnosed tropical illness caused by mosquito bites during service, is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disease in service or continuous symptoms after service. The current disability does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, hypertension (HTN), and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The earlier effective date claim for left hand DJD and left ankle DJD was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, pterygium, and right ear hearing loss were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.