Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding no relationship between his condition and military service or his service-connected diabetes.

The veteran's PTSD and major depression are rated at the highest possible level (70%), while his scars, disarticulation of the left hip, and hypertension are each rated at their maximum levels. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD and major depression is granted.

The Board found that the evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The additional evidence submitted since January 1994 was not new and material, thus denying reopening of the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cerebrovascular accident and hypertension, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as secondary to generalized anxiety disorder, finding no evidence linking the condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, unspecified, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, and cataracts. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for secondary service connection of hypertension, fatigue, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, tinea pedis and tinea capitis, and headaches are also granted.

The veteran's death was not eligible for VA DIC and death pension benefits as the appellant did not meet the eligibility criteria. The appellant is also not entitled to accrued benefits.

The Board found that the veteran was exposed to VX and modified VX nerve agents during Project 112, but not mustard gas or radiation. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any current lung disorder, thyroid disorder, larynx disorder, hypertension, or bilateral ear disorder are related to service exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence did not establish a nexus between current hypertension or any psychiatric condition and active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and heart disability are service-connected, with a current evaluation of 10 percent for each condition.

The Board found no factually ascertainable evidence supporting TDIU prior to August 28, 2003. The veteran's claim for increased ratings was received on August 28, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including providing a more comprehensive definition of 'new and material' evidence in connection with the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The RO is also instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from the Philadelphia VA Medical Center and any additional health care providers that have treated the veteran for hypertension since discharge from military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received from the veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and will remand the case for such development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD or a link between current symptoms and service. For hypertension, the Board found that it did not manifest within one year after separation from service and was not related to service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's fatal myocardial infarction or underlying conditions to service, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, cardiopulmonary disease, major depressive disorder, right shoulder disorder, and otitis media. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active military service.

The veteran is seeking an initial compensable evaluation for his hypertension, which is separate from the existing 20 percent evaluation for service-connected diabetes mellitus. The case has been remanded due to insufficient evidence and a need for a VA examination.