Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(r)(1) and/or � 1114(r)(2) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records from University Hospital and VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, as well as arranging for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertension was incurred in service and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for this condition. The issue of TDIU remains pending as it is unclear if his other service-connected disabilities have worsened since the last evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, as secondary to his service-connected epididymitis. The appeal is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, and tinnitus. Service connection is established for these conditions due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service. Hypertension, however, was not shown in service or within one year of service and is not otherwise attributable to service.

The Veteran's hypertension and right knee degenerative joint disease have been rated, but the appeal is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension and coronary artery disease were both granted, with the hypertension receiving a 10% rating.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hypertension and arthritis. The appeal is REMANDED so that the Veteran may be rescheduled for these examinations.

The Veteran was rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities for the period on appeal prior to January 9, 2007. The Board found that he had one disability rated at 60 percent (hypertension) and a combined rating of 80 percent, effective from September 15, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for HIV was denied as there is no evidence of causation due to VA treatment. The claim to reopen his hypertension service connection was also denied, with the new and material evidence not addressing in-service onset or etiology. His claims for tachycardia and cardiovascular disability were not addressed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records, scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities, and determining whether any claimed conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed due to his request for withdrawal.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back strain, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's current hypertension is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of active service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and ischemic heart disease, as well as other conditions. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus and its complications has been withdrawn. The current evaluation of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus is maintained, as there are no compensable diabetic complications.

The Board has found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during service and is related to his Gulf War service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities (diabetic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease) is now 100 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's hypertension and hemorrhoids claims have been denied. The Board found no evidence of service connection for hypertension within one year post-service, and the VA examiner opined that there was insufficient evidence to link his current diagnosis to service. For hemorrhoids, the Board noted that the most recent examination did not show any active bleeding or symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (bipolar disorder), hypertension, and post-traumatic arthritis of the right ankle. The Veteran's bladder disorder is not considered in this decision.