Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to outstanding private medical records, and the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the effective date earlier than August 22, 2006, for the grant of service connection for hypertension and the initial compensable evaluation for service-connected hypertension has been dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during active service, was not present within one year of separation from a period of active service exceeding 90 days, and is not etiologically related to any period of the Veteran's service. Therefore, service connection for hypertension could not be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and hypertension have resulted in a TDIU rating effective June 11, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and a heart condition, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of pneumonia and granted it. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic cholesterol (claimed as 'chronic cholesterol') is denied. The remaining claims are addressed in the remand.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension were not incurred during active military service. The Board found no evidence of continuity of symptomatology or a nexus to service for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance or is housebound due to his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension and a low back disorder due to further evidentiary development.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during service and is not related to his diabetes mellitus, thus denying service connection for hypertension.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claim for entitlement to service connection for hypertension. The medical evidence does not show a diagnosis or treatment for hypertension during active duty service, and there is no evidence showing high blood pressure prior to service or during either period of service.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to decide whether hypertension is secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder and thus remands the case for further development.

The evidence does not show that hypertension was caused or aggravated by service-connected tobacco use with nicotine dependence and consequent COPD, or rheumatic fever.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting labile hypertension did not increase in severity during service and granted service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to the claims of service connection for hypertension, arthritis of multiple joints, and a gastrointestinal disorder prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 7101. The Board finds that his blood pressure readings have not consistently met the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and has not otherwise been shown to be related to service. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus alone is not sufficiently incapacitating as to render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.