Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

For the period from November 4, 1996 to January 27, 1997, a rating of 20 percent for hypertension is granted.,For the period from January 28, 1997 to April 27, 2016, no higher rating than 10 percent is warranted.,For the period from April 28, 2016, a rating of 20 percent for hypertension is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee strain and hypertension, finding no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claim for right ear hearing loss was also denied as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's claims, including clarification of medical expenses and a determination of whether he required aid and attendance prior to his stroke.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for otitis media and service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, GERD, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and TDIU. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The case is now remanded to allow for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the necessary examinations.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, has been rated at 20 percent since December 20, 2004. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, hypertension, and degenerative joint disease with chondromalacia of the right knee, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is being remanded for further clarification on his current employment status.

The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of hypertension, including consideration of herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his reported tumor of the neck, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The claim for hypertension was also addressed but no rating assigned as it is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development and readjudication. The appellant is entitled to a statement of the case on these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent since February 29, 2012. He is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and a right leg disorder have not been established.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, tinnitus, and hypertension qualify him for special monthly compensation based on housebound status under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Veteran is granted an effective date of March 12, 2012 for a compensable rating (10%) for hypertension. The issue was not about service connection but rather the timing of when this increased rating should have been applied.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD.,Glaucoma is not found to be proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. However, it is as likely as not that glaucoma was caused by his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and right knee degenerative joint disease were not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis within one year post-service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a link between current disability and service. For the right knee issue, the Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations for his psychiatric disorder and right foot condition.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.