Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and hepatitis C have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during his period of active service, continuity of symptomatology after such period, or medical evidence associating current diagnoses to service.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have diabetes mellitus due to service, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claim is denied.

The veteran's claim for hypertension was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on a verified in-service stressor.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus. The evidence did not support a finding that hypertension was incurred or aggravated by active service, and there is no indication that it became manifest within one year after separation from service. For bilateral pes planus, the Board found that the veteran's current symptoms were related to his military service.

The Board granted an increased rating to 30% for the right knee disability and assigned an effective date of May 18, 2000. The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as his pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for hypertension and thoracic spine disability due to potential service connection issues.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left eye disability, hypertension, and a skin disorder of the feet. The conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance is granted due to his psychiatric disability, which requires the aid and assistance of his spouse in performing certain daily activities.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including his service medical records and clinical records from Tinker Air Force Base.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for hypertension and PTSD due to incomplete records, including VA outpatient clinic records from before April 2001 and treatment records from Wilford Hall Medical Center. The RO/AMC is also required to obtain a clarifying medical opinion regarding whether the veteran currently suffers from PTSD as defined by DSM-IV.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinea pedis and hypertension, as well as an increased rating for PTSD, were denied. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted but the RO did not provide a specific effective date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to March 25, 2003 for additional compensation benefits based on his dependent spouse and child. The effective date was set at March 25, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left ear hearing loss, hypertension, and right hip disability. The veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood was rated at 30 percent, effective from May 2005. TDIU was also denied.

The Board has determined that the original grant of service connection for hypertension was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus restoration of service connection is warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left knee and ankle disorders, spondylosis (low back disorder), spondylolisthesis (low back disorder), post-operative right foot and right ankle condition with degenerative joint disease, hypertension, and bilateral tinea pedis. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening any of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing before a Member of the Board. The veteran and his representative will be notified of the time and date, and given adequate time to prepare.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is related to his exposure to acoustic trauma in service. The claims for PTSD and hypertension remain denied.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, finding that there was no evidence linking his PTSD to any of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations, primarily related to his right ankle disability. The issues of secondary service connection for psychiatric disabilities and hip disabilities are referred to the RO.