Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (CAD) are found to be related to in-service herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection for these conditions are granted.

The Veteran's income does not exceed the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for a Veteran with one dependent for calendar years 2011, 2012, and 2013. The expenses for room and board at [REDACTED] are properly deductible as unreimbursed medical expenses from the Veteran's countable income.

The Board denied the claim as the Veteran's suicide was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain new examinations for his hypertension and bilateral hearing loss, as well as expert opinions on the Federal Register findings regarding PTSD and hypertension. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Veteran's hypertension, tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss have been rated appropriately. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted as there are no degenerative changes of the spine within one year of separation from service. No other claims were decided.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claims of service connection for residuals of herbicide exposure, including prostate cancer, impotence, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a heart disorder. The evidence received since the final rating decisions does not establish new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD from January 26, 2015 to March 14, 2016 is rated at 70 percent due to significant occupational and social impairment. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on any of the issues.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, and his bilateral hearing loss claim remains denied. The low back disability issue has been remanded for further examination. Service connection is established for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. Other claims remain pending.

The Board has ordered additional development to clarify the Veteran's periods of active duty, obtain outstanding medical records, and schedule VA examinations. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ankle arthritis with ligament reconstruction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a right ankle scar, rendered him unable to dress or undress himself, attend to his personal hygiene, manage his finances or medications, walk, relieve himself without assistance, and protect from hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the requirements for a pension during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not been shown to render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral ankle disability. For his neck and back disabilities, as well as hypertension, service connection is denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined rating of 90 percent, which is sufficient to warrant a TDIU. The Veteran has been found unemployable due to his chronic migraine headaches and other service-connected conditions.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities, including his migraines.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction is rated at 40 percent since April 27, 2016. The rating is based on the requirement for regulation of activities due to diabetes, but not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran's representative withdrew their appeal in January 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service, including exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. As such, he is denied service connection for all of his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected and denied his claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD. The TDIU claim was also denied as there were no schedular requirements met.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current hypertension is at least as likely as not causally related to his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for hypertension.