Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA examination and records, particularly regarding the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining STRs from the Veteran's second period of service and providing a medical opinion regarding whether hypertension had its onset during service or is related to service. The issues on appeal are entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to service connection for chronic multi-symptom illness (CMI) for accrued benefits purposes based upon a claim pending at the time of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hypertension evaluation remains at 10 percent, and a new examination is needed due to recent medical evidence indicating the condition may be affected by congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's hypertension and stroke residuals are being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination. The PTSD and atherosclerotic heart disease claims will also be remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the hypertension and stroke residuals issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence of any nexus between the appellant's current hypertension and his active service or a service-connected disability, nor was it proximately due to exposure to herbicides or secondary to, or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn, and the claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no legal basis for assignment of any earlier effective date.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be proximately due to his service-connected PTSD, and the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to conflicting medical opinions and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left pes planus with calcaneal spur and hypertension has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is directly related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's physical impairment due to his nonservice-connected conditions requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from the hazards of daily environment, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran also needs an examination regarding his hypertension.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service. The bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger disorders are not related to service. The fatigue is not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hypertension, migraine headaches, heart disease, and kidney disease, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and cataracts due to final decisions in 2004. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, was also denied as not related to service or any exposure therein.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for hypertension due to incomplete development and lack of compliance with previous directives. The case is now being returned to the RO/AMC for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent, and separate ratings of 10 percent have been granted for peripheral edema in both lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current cardiovascular disorder, including hypertension, that is service-connected. The right knee disability and acquired psychiatric disability are also denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish their onset during service or connection to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's loss of left kidney was incurred in service and grants this claim. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension as secondary to the loss of left kidney is remanded for further development.