Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for a TDIU rating. The issue of whether hypertension is secondary to PTSD or directly related to service will be addressed in further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may such disabilities be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim for compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was also denied as there is no evidence of carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA medical personnel.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request from the appellant's authorized representative.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that a service-connected disability did not cause or contribute substantially to his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not first manifest in service or for more than three decades after his separation from service, and there is no medical evidence linking it to any aspect of his period of service. The preponderance of the medical evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus with hypertension, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction has been manifested by a restricted diet, limited activity, oral medication, and insulin. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent have not been met.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including to verify his alleged stressors related to PTSD. The claims will be readjudicated in light of all additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for additional private treatment records. The Veteran's claim is related to herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain service treatment records and VA medical records, as well as to provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The appeal will be remanded to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a request for reconsideration of his claims. The issues regarding service connection for hypertension, psychiatric disorders, and gout are now pending before the AOJ.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 20 percent since January 24, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating prior to that date and granted his claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's conditions do not render him unable to adequately attend to the needs of daily living without the regular aid and attendance of another person, thus he does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected cold weather injuries to the hands and feet, hypertension, hand pain, left foot drop, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower right extremities, and sleep disorder have been granted. The Veteran is assigned a 10 percent disability rating for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of asbestos-induced pleural disease, reopening of service connection claims for various conditions, and TDIU/SMC have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 100% for his asbestos-induced pleural disease as of May 3, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension in April 2009, concluding that the evidence did not show a relationship to military service or exposure to hazardous substances.

The Veteran's current hypertension is not related to his military service and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of left knee meniscus tear status post surgical repair are service-connected. The arthritis claim is also granted as it is related to his pre-existing condition aggravated by service. Other claims remain pending.