Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the diabetes mellitus claim is inextricably intertwined with the issues on appeal and must be remanded to await adjudication. The veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded due to procedural errors and incomplete development.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran's death was caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, and there is no indication of exposure to Agent Orange. The cause of death was determined to be metastatic anaplastic carcinoma.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected arterial hypertension and consideration of new evidence. The issues are whether he should receive an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for arterial hypertension and if he should receive a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility requirements for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The veteran's hypertension has not been manifested by readings of diastolic blood pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic blood pressure predominantly 200 or more since the March 17, 2004 effective date. Therefore, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, which is one of the bases for establishing entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation benefits. The claim of entitlement to educational assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35 will be considered on this basis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease and hypertension, finding no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after his military service. The Board also found that any current diagnoses are not associated with his active military duty or his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to VA medical treatment, finding that the veteran's death was not caused by improper care.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The right knee chondromalacia with internal derangement was granted a 20% disability rating, while left knee tendonitis received a 10% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by cardiovascular collapse due to atherosclerotic heart disease, which is linked to his service-connected hypertension. The appeal is granted.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a skull concussion. The veteran does not have blindness, hypertension, or right or left knee disabilities that are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his right shoulder disability and service connection for skin condition, joints pain, memory loss, hearing loss, impotency, hypertension, right inguinal lymphoma, back condition, major depressive disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and Peyronie's disease. The evidence does not support the veteran's claims as these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, hearing loss of the right ear, pseudofolliculitis barbae with keloid formation on the back of the neck, and posterolateral ligament reconstruction of the left knee are denied as there is no evidence meeting the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The veteran died of a cerebrovascular accident, which was not service-connected. The Board found no evidence that the conditions leading to his death were caused by any incident of service.

The veteran needs regular assistance feeding himself, bathing, dressing, walking, and taking prescribed medication, and requires care or assistance on a regular basis for protection from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has determined that the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided. This includes obtaining medical records, copies of SSA decisions and supporting medical records, and a VA examination to assess the veteran's employment status.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the appeal process.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected PTSD, but rather due to a motor vehicle accident.,The appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 was also denied as she did not meet the criteria for entitlement.