Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at the maximum schedular rating since November 28, 2012. Prior to that date, a higher rating is not warranted as his diabetes did not require medically prescribed regulation of activities.,For nephropathy with edema and hypertension, the criteria for a 60 percent disability rating were met prior to November 28, 2012. Since then, no higher ratings are warranted due to lack of evidence showing persistent edema or albuminuria with BUN levels above 40-80mg% or creatinine levels above 4-8mg%.,The Veteran's gout was rated at the maximum schedular rating since November 28, 2012. Prior to that date, a higher rating is not warranted as his gout did not manifest consistent limitation of motion, unintentional weight loss, anemia, incapacitating exacerbations or total incapacity.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability was not incurred or aggravated in ADT service and denied his claims for secondary service connection for hypertension and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following all substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and COPD to the AOJ for additional development due to a hearing request.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his eye disorders, including cataracts, blepharitis, dry eyes, ocular hypertension, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia, were caused by exposure to non-ionizing radiation from radar equipment during service. As a result, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension and coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran's hypertension was shown in service and is currently present, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as being related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for hypertension or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart condition were denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or event, and the current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy or hypertension related to service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for hypertension, either as directly related to service or due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's skin condition was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial evaluations assigned for the disabilities granted by the February 2009 rating decision are not supported.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for additional special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, especially his cluster headache disability, which requires oxygen treatment, do not meet the schedular criteria for award of a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a), but nonetheless are of such severity as to make him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability based on receipt of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for hypertension as it was incurred in service, with continuity of symptomatology post-service. The claim for sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence that the condition began during or was aggravated by service.