Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Board found that the reduction from a 40 percent to a 20 percent disability rating for type II diabetes mellitus was improper and restored the original 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, right ear hearing loss, and left ear hearing loss have been granted. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for hypertension, but denied the claim for OSA due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

Service connection is denied for diabetes mellitus, type II, a prostate disorder, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and left knee degenerative joint disease as the evidence does not support these claims. Service connection was previously denied for tinea pedis in 1973, and new and material evidence has not been received to reopen this claim.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he claims is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The Board has requested an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's hypertension was aggravated beyond its normal progression by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected heart condition, associated with diabetes mellitus, type II, contributed to his death from a subdural hematoma caused by a fall due to dizziness. The Board finds the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether this was the case and grants the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart conditions, including coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, are aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The hypertension is also found to be aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and/or heart conditions.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to respiratory and vascular disorders, as well as the claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for hypertension, as secondary to service-connected CAD, MI, and heart transplantation. The Board has dismissed this appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment given his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability is manifested by pain, swelling, and redness. He has slight instability of the knees. The RO granted his claims for service connection for various conditions including hypertension, low back disability, joint pain, memory loss, chest pain, skin disorder, left foot disorder, and respiratory disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, hypertension, and a bilateral foot disability with heel spurs. The skin disability resulting in sun spots is not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for residuals of transient ischemic attack, hypertension, and hair loss are also being addressed.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and diabetes were granted ratings, but the Veteran was denied higher ratings for his right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for IHD as due to herbicides exposure and also denied his claim for cause of death based on COPD. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of IHD, and there was no objective medical evidence to confirm its presence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, asthma, and high cholesterol were not shown to be related to his military service.,Service connection was denied for all claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service connected, but her left knee condition cannot be linked to active duty.

The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for the claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a left foot and/or ankle injury, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's claims were denied as his claims are not supported by competent medical evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension is service-connected as due to exposure to herbicide, and secondary to his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus.