Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and associated benefits were granted effective July 21, 2001.

The Veteran's cause of death, stroke due to atherosclerosis with hypertension as a significant condition contributing to death, is found to be service-connected based on the direct relationship between his service-connected psychiatric disorder and alcoholism.

The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for Aid and Attendance of another person (A&A) or being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a private hospital (CUMC) is denied as he does not have any established service-connected disabilities and the emergency treatment was not necessary due to his condition being stable enough for transfer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is granted. The Board finds that the weight of the competent evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has a current bilateral hearing loss disability related to his military service, including exposure to noise during combat.

The Board has determined that hypertension is related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and hypertension. The claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure, remains pending as a separate issue.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. However, a VA examination is needed to provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a video conference hearing on all seven issues.

The Veteran's kidney disease, diabetes, and neuropathy conditions are service-connected. The rating for diabetes is granted at the 20% level, while ratings for other conditions remain at their current levels.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed and that VA examinations should be provided to address the Veteran's skin disorders, lipoma disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and other issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying active duty periods and obtaining VA examination opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee and ankle disabilities. The claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have also been recharacterized as new issues due to a recent denial.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD, arrhythmia, and hypertension did not meet the criteria for service connection as they were not related to his military service or herbicide exposure. The cause of death was determined to be cardio-pulmonary arrest due to these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and hypertensive heart disease have been rated based on their current manifestations, but the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that it is not proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hearing loss, and type II diabetes mellitus have all been granted. The initial rating for PTSD has also been increased to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a video conference, and further development is needed before the case can be considered.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic cervical spine disability in service or within one year after discharge, and concluded that the current condition is not related to service. The Veteran's hypertension was also not shown during active service or for at least one year post-service.,Service connection cannot be granted as there is insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to her military service.