Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively confine him to his dwelling and its immediate premises, qualifying for SMC based on the need for aid and assistance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of all issues on appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not etiologically related to service or a disease, injury, or event in service. The Board also determined that his hypertension was not caused by or aggravated by any service-connected disability, including diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for gastritis, skin rash of the neck, chest, and back, and service connection for left groin pain have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for hyperlipidemia has been denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and headaches have been rated as noncompensable (zero percent) since April 14, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for either condition.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that he was not exposed to herbicide agents during service and did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims at this time.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during service, was not shown to be related to a service-connected disability, and therefore denied service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's heart disorder, GERD, hypertension, and syncope were not shown to be related to his military service. The Board denied these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing due to inadequate notice of the time and place of the previously scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current skin disorder, glaucoma, blindness, or right knee disability that is related to his service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to January 27, 2004 due to the need for insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent. From January 27, 2004, a rating of 20 percent is warranted as she requires insulin and a restricted diet.,The Veteran's hypertension does not warrant a separate compensable rating.

The Board found no evidence of diabetes mellitus or a cardiovascular disability (claimed as hypertension and chest pains) in service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not linked to her military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and cardiac disorders are not caused or aggravated by his active military service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus or acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is pending and not decided.,The VA blood transfusion in December 2001 did not cause or worsen the Veteran's hepatitis C, as it was likely caused by his own drug use. The Veteran has been denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for hepatitis C due to a December 2001 VA blood transfusion.,The Veteran failed to provide information about his former wife's income during the relevant period, resulting in denial of nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to March 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection for any of the claimed conditions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for decreased kidney function was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for anemia was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction) was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disability (GERD) was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sixth cranial nerve palsy was denied as the evidence did not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic retinopathy was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy was denied as there was no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that it more nearly approximates a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The hypertension issue was not addressed as it is not related to service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are related to his service, including exposure to burn pits during his deployment in Iraq.

The Veteran's claims for lung cancer, COPD, diabetes and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding their etiology.