Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service and post-service medical records, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if current disabilities are related to findings noted in service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine have been denied. The claim for hypertension has also been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, heart disorders and hypertension, right eye disability (not established), and an increased evaluation for PTSD. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The veteran's service-connected hypertensive heart disease was rated at 30 percent from February 28, 2002 through July 7, 2005. From November 1, 2005 to the present, he is rated at 60 percent for his myocardial infarction and improved ejection fraction. The veteran's hypertension was also rated at 30 percent from January 1998 through February 2002.

The Board has determined that the claims folder may be incomplete and requires further action to confirm service dates, obtain medical records, and provide the veteran with appropriate examinations. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Board determined that the veteran's cause of death, congestive heart failure, was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability. The service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease, hypertension, and a bilateral leg disorder, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The appeals were based on secondary service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable as of July 10, 2002, one year before he filed his claim for TDIU. As a result, the effective date for TDIU is assigned to July 10, 2002.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for renal disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, reflux disease, and arthritis (except of the left leg) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD; hypertension; and coronary artery disease. The veteran's anxiety disorder was not linked to any in-service stressors or events. His hypertension and coronary artery disease were not found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including a VA examination for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and eye disabilities. The appeal will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical opinion is needed to address the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, as it relates to his diabetes mellitus. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia and pain and numbness in the upper and lower extremities, secondary to service-connected disabilities of the spine were granted. His claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for hypertension was denied. The effective date for his award of a 100% disability rating for coronary artery disease was set at June 10, 2002. He also received a TDIU rating.

The veteran's prostate enlargement is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum available under VA rating criteria.,The veteran's degenerative changes of the right knee are currently rated at 10 percent prior to June 15, 2006 and 30 percent beginning on that date. The current ratings for the left knee remain unchanged.,The veteran's residuals of frostbite of the right foot have been rated at 20 percent since August 4, 1998, with no higher rating available under VA criteria.,The veteran's residuals of frostbite of the left foot were initially rated at 10 percent prior to September 21, 2000 and remain at that level. A higher evaluation is not warranted due to lack of supporting evidence.,The veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since June 1, 1998, with no higher rating available under VA criteria.,The veteran's tinea cruris was initially rated at 10 percent prior to June 1, 1998 and remains unchanged.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to deficiencies in the VCAA notice and because of missing service medical records. The veteran's hypertension claim will be reviewed again after obtaining additional evidence.

The claim of service connection for Eustachian tube dysfunction has been reopened, but the claim remains denied. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim of service connection for hypertension is remanded for further development.

The Board found that the cause of death was not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied both the claim for service connection for the cause of death and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to missing service medical records and incomplete treatment history. The claims will be further developed before being decided.

The Board found no service connection for the cause of death.,The appellant's DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 was denied as the veteran did not meet the criteria for total disability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for hypertension, finding that it is as likely as not related to his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus and aggravating it. Service connection for this condition is now granted.