Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's heart disease is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure. The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for his coronary artery disease and hypertension, as these conditions are presumed to be related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, including records from his attending physician and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits determination. The VA will also schedule a specialized examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause his death. The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was secondary to his chronic kidney disease, which was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to address whether vascular hypertension is caused or aggravated by service-connected pulmonary fibrosis and/or tuberculosis.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia and lumbosacral spine disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension with history of left ventricular hypertrophy is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. A separate 10 percent rating for hypertensive heart disease is also granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service, and to obtain VA treatment records. The claims for service connection are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to address the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, depression, and hypertension are not yet fully developed. The RO is directed to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding these issues and afford the Veteran an opportunity to perfect her appeal by filing a Substantive Appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and further development is required before a decision can be made on the issues of service connection for heat stroke and cardiovascular disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated during his active duty service and is not otherwise related to service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of chemical exposure, as there is no indication of herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension with associated headaches and residuals of right biceps tendon rupture were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of verification regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Guam, and for obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted service connection as it began during active service. The other issues on appeal are related to higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, nephropathy with edema and hypertension, and gout.

The Veteran's countable income is less than the maximum pension rate, and he has not worked since February 2005 due to various disabilities. The Board finds that his eligibility for non-service connected disability benefits is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is not presumed to be related to his service or Agent Orange exposure, and thus he does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, PTSD and a skin disorder has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by the Veteran.