Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, antral gastritis, and knee and wrist disabilities. The effective dates for the increased ratings were not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability was evaluated at 30 percent since June 10, 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and specific phobia (situational type) have been granted, but the hypertension claim remains pending. The initial rating for the psychiatric disability is now 70 percent effective from March 6, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected proteinuria is rated at 30 percent effective March 15, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and right ankle strain, but denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's skin rash disability claim is referred to the RO.

The Veteran's claim for hypertension was reopened and granted. His lumbar spine degenerative disk disease is currently rated at 20 percent since May 30, 2011.

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death (metastatic prostate cancer) was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated during his military service, nor did it find any evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected disabilities. The Board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence is against granting service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease and laxity with internal derangement are currently rated at 20 percent each, while hypertension is not service-connected. The bilateral foot disability has been granted as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Board finds no evidence to support the appellant's claim that asbestosis exposure during service contributed to cause his death.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, which may be related to service. The Veteran should also provide any additional medical records from his treatment for hypertension.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected CAD and hypertension do not warrant an extraschedular rating as their symptoms are reasonably encompassed by the assigned schedular ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion. The issue is whether diabetes mellitus causes or aggravates essential hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence of in-service treatment or continuity of symptoms since service that would support a grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, residuals of left knee injury, and GERD are all service-connected as they were first manifested during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for hypertension as secondary to depression.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disorder and hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in severe symptoms, including hypervigilance and nightmares, but without gross impairment in thought process or communication. The Board found that a disability rating of 70 percent was warranted since July 1, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, edema of the lower extremities, and other acquired psychiatric disabilities have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or any service connection related to asbestos exposure.