Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's hypertension and heart disorder are not related to service, including in-service chemical exposure.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently diagnosed but the relationship to service is unclear.

The Board has decided that the case should be remanded to further develop evidence related to the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including consideration of a presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of direct service connection for hypertension and the need for a VA examination regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the Nashville, Tennessee RO. The issues include service connection claims and reopening of a diabetes claim.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance by another individual.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected due to lack of chronicity in service and no evidence of continuity since service. The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss, hypertension, cervical spine DJD, and lumbar spine DDD are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for service connection based on in-service noise exposure or other established medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's kidney disease is related to his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension and found new and material evidence. The claims of service connection for a bilateral eye disorder and increased evaluation for PTSD are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The primary basis for denial is that there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and associated benefits were granted effective July 21, 2001.

The Veteran's cause of death, stroke due to atherosclerosis with hypertension as a significant condition contributing to death, is found to be service-connected based on the direct relationship between his service-connected psychiatric disorder and alcoholism.

The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities did not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for Aid and Attendance of another person (A&A) or being housebound.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at a private hospital (CUMC) is denied as he does not have any established service-connected disabilities and the emergency treatment was not necessary due to his condition being stable enough for transfer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is granted. The Board finds that the weight of the competent evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has a current bilateral hearing loss disability related to his military service, including exposure to noise during combat.

The Board has determined that hypertension is related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and grants service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and hypertension. The claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, which is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure, remains pending as a separate issue.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could issue a decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. However, a VA examination is needed to provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a video conference hearing on all seven issues.