Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's back disability (lumbosacral strain) is service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral knee disability, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension is not granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim was reopened due to new and material evidence received since the May 2005 rating decision.

The Veteran's hypertension has been manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, but not at or above 110, and systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, but not at or above 200. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during service. The issue of service connection for hypertension remains pending and requires additional clarification/new opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and coronary artery disease. The decision is based on a finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or post-service continuity of symptomatology.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to his service or to his service-connected coronary artery disease. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board denied service connection for MALT lymphoma/non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, TMJ dysfunction, bilateral knee disorders, hypertension (HTN), and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder. The Veteran was not given enough time to submit additional evidence before the decision.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal of all issues in this case, stating that the Veteran was satisfied with his 100 percent rating for hypertension and did not wish to proceed further.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to alveolar hemorrhage, renal failure, and emphysema. Service connection for these conditions is denied as they are not directly related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to his service. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, including atrial fibrillation and hypertension, as due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim is limited to direct service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension and lipoma were not found to be related to service, including exposure to chemical agents.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset in service, was not related to active service, and is not causally related or chronically worsened by any service-connected disability. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset in service, was not related to active service, and is not causally related or chronically worsened by any service-connected disability. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed back disability, COPD, and hypertension. The claims are being remanded for further action.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder and granted it as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability. The claims for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension have been denied.

The Veteran's hypertension was diagnosed in 1992, within two years of service discharge. The Board granted service connection for this condition based on the continuity of symptomatology and reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. His claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion and needs further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for aid and attendance, which meets the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.