Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for type II diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension, finding that his diabetes did not require regulation of activities as contemplated by the applicable rating criteria. The low back disability was granted but with a non-compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for defective vision, refractive error (claimed as loss of eye sight) was denied due to lack of a nexus between the current disability and service. The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since June 2003.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code. Therefore, an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and COPD due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's service treatment records, including those related to respiratory issues, were not considered in forming the opinions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for tinnitus and hypertension, but denied the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure. The new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating any of these claims.

The Veteran's last sickness expenses, totaling over $10,000, were borne by the appellant. The Board found that these expenses exceeded the amount of awarded but unpaid benefits ($6,911) and granted the appellant this amount as reimbursement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a travel Board hearing. The issues on appeal include service connection for various conditions and rating claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right foot disorder (claimed as arthritis of the right great toe), and hypertension. The evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis is rated as 10 percent disabling since November 23, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's hypertension and psoriasis were granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and right hand disability are also granted as direct service connection based on evidence of in-service onset or aggravation.

The Veteran's low back disability and hypertension have been granted service connection. The increased rating claims for PTSD, recurrent urolithiasis/kidney stones, left knee disability, and TDIU are pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim will be reviewed again with a new opinion from an appropriate medical provider.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA's schedular guidelines. Service connection claims for back, respiratory, and hypertension disorders are also pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, render him unemployable. The case is REMANDED for a comprehensive examination to determine the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and will consider ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA service in addition to active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and headaches. The Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during active service, his hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and his headaches are rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Veteran's right hip disability is rated at 50 percent effective December 1, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion following his total hip replacement.