Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, effective from the date of the decision. The veteran's asthma continues to warrant a 60 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for both bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, finding that the veteran did not have a current disability during service or within one year of separation. The examiner opined that his current hearing loss is less likely related to military noise exposure and his current hypertension is less likely caused by diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied as he does not require care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from hazards in his daily environment.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that the veteran engaged in combat with the enemy during his Vietnam service. The hypertension is presumed to be related to diabetes mellitus, which is also service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred during active military service and is not linked to a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GERD, heart disease, and hypertension are not secondary to his service-connected PTSD or diabetes.,There is no evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD and/or Agent Orange exposure was dismissed as he did not file a timely Substantive Appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of hypertension, side disability, or bilateral leg disability that is related to his active service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by active service, and his current bilateral hearing loss is service-connected. The claim for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus type II is denied as there is no medical evidence showing a direct link between the two conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension, finding that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 due to his service in the Persian Gulf War, and that his hypertension may be presumed as a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317. The Board also found that there was no direct or secondary service connection for hypertension.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and a heart disorder, including HTN. The evidence did not show that the current conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement for allergic rhinitis was January 18, 2005, and for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of a creative organ was February 22, 2005.,The veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), anxiety, and initial compensable evaluation for hypertension were not addressed as they are separate issues from the service connection and increased rating claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for keratitis, cataracts, and hypertension retinopathy as there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or due to housebound status has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for hypertension and heart disability as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's active duty.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision is final as the veteran did not appeal within one year of the denial.