Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's hypertension, which requires medication and is manifested by systolic blood pressure readings at or near 160 or more, meets the criteria for an initial 10 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused or contributed to by his service-connected PTSD. The cause of death, sepsis due to a urinary tract infection, was not linked to any service-connected condition.

The claim for service connection for hypertension has not been reopened due to the lack of new and material evidence, but the claim for a low back disorder was reopened.,The Veteran's low back disorder is considered direct service connection as there is no evidence showing it occurred in or was caused by service.

The Veteran's hypertension and back disorder claims were granted, while his dental disorder claim was denied. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (hypertension) and others not (dental disorder). Service connection for the dental condition was decided on the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's long history of hypertension, diagnosed during his active service, contributed to his development of atherosclerosis and cardiac arrhythmia, which caused his death. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension, back condition, and right leg condition are all found to be related to his honorable period of active duty service. The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, initial compensable rating, and service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the hypertension and PTSD claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and posttraumatic stress disorder. The claim is denied for an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the service-connected low back condition, and TDIU prior to February 22, 2007.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied heart condition was denied as the submitted evidence was not new and material.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for increased DIC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate due to her ability to care for herself and protect herself from daily hazards.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the August 2006 decision is not new and material to reopen service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's claim was previously denied due to a lack of evidence showing diagnosis of hypertension during active service or within one year after discharge.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in its dismissal.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral vascular disease as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since the claim was reopened, but his hypertension does not meet service connection criteria. The Veteran's TDIU claim remains denied.

The Board has decided that the case requires additional development and remands it for further action, including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and medical opinions on hypertension and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding herbicide exposure allegations and a review of Defense Department records. The claim will be reconsidered based on any new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to a disability of service origins, and therefore service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and the TDIU claim remains pending.