Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an eye disability, finding that there was no evidence of onset during or within one year after active service, and that the conditions were not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for inguinal hernia, finding that the condition manifested from an injury incurred during a period of INACDUTRA. The Veteran's hypertension and knee disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated during service and is not otherwise related to service. The Board also found no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD/MDD and his hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, render him unable to obtain and retain employment, even sedentary employment. TDIU is granted on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hypertension was not manifested during his active military service or for many years thereafter, is not shown to be causally related to his active military service, and is not shown to be caused by or permanently made worse by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing its onset during or within one year after service. The Board finds the VA examiner's opinion more persuasive regarding the type and timing of his diabetes.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show that his diabetes required insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. However, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the unavailability of the Veterans Law Judge who conducted his October 2013 Board hearing. He has been requested a new Board hearing held at his local VA RO.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from July 31, 2007. Service connection for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction has also been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension with renal impairment, congestive heart failure, and tinnitus are all found to be related to his service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if his service-connected conditions alone result in the need for such benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD, CAD, DM, and residuals of a right foot injury. The decision grants service connection for hypertension as secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension was not service-connected and is not secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or PTSD.,Tinea pedis and cellulitis of the right leg were not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Coronary artery disease resulted in a 10% rating from March 10, 2004. The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating effective July 14, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not service connected, as there is no verified diagnosis of hypertension in the record and the evidence does not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension with renal insufficiency, type II diabetes mellitus, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 70 percent for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent since March 22, 2012. The Board has also granted TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.