Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back strain and hypertension, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The appeals are now pending before the Board.

The Veteran's hypertension, left chest costochondritis, and knee disabilities were evaluated. The claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her multiple disabilities, which render her helpless or nearly so. As a result, she is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and benign prostatic hypertrophy, finding that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Veteran's hypertension was found to be essential and unrelated to his diabetes mellitus, while his benign prostatic hypertrophy was not shown to have a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the case for another VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service, specifically his in-service exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung disorder, thyroid disorder, larynx disorder, and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of exposure to mustard gas, radiation or herbicides during active duty. The Veteran's conditions were not related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of hypertension in service and denied the claim for service connection based on presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, as well as secondary service connection due to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while totaling over 60% combined, do not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) and for being so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions and disorders, but the Board is remanding these cases due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's hypertension, which is currently managed with medication and has been diagnosed for several years, results in diastolic blood pressure readings predominantly at or near 100. The Board has determined that an initial 10 percent rating is warranted based on the criteria set forth in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for additional left knee disabilities as a result of VA surgery performed in April 1993, and is considering other service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction were not incurred or aggravated during service, and there is no evidence of a nexus to his service-connected disabilities. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hypertension did not begin during service and was not caused by any incident of service, including exposure to herbicides. The preponderance of evidence indicates that the Veteran's hypertension began years after his active military service and is not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board has remanded the claim for low back disability to the AOJ.

The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication and has resulted in diastolic pressure of 100 or more, but not at the level to warrant a higher rating.,The issue of entitlement to a temporary total evaluation because of treatment requiring convalescence for service-connected CVA is dismissed as moot due to the assignment of a 100% rating from October 7, 2008, through March 31, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred during his honorable service and denied the claim.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that PTSD did not contribute to or cause his death.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus did not cause or aggravate his high blood pressure and heart arrhythmia, characterized as atrial fibrillation.