Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board finds that the appellant's hypertension does not present an exceptional disability picture, and thus, a higher rating is not warranted. The claim for an increased rating for hypertension remains denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased disability rating for lumbosacral strain and service connection for hypertension, finding that the schedular criteria for a higher rating were not met and that hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty for training.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cardiovascular disability, including hypertension and stroke residuals, was incurred during his period of active service.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for hypertension is being remanded due to the possibility of his condition progressing into hypertensive heart disease, which could warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for essential hypertension and gouty arthritis, as well as his claim for residuals of exposure to hallucinogenic substances. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder secondary to hypertension and for an increased evaluation for his hypertension. The initial 10 percent evaluation for lumbosacral strain remains in place.

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including his right eye disorder and degenerative joint diseases of the lumbar and cervical spines, prevent him from working. However, he is not found to be permanently and totally disabled due to these conditions.

The veteran's principal disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his ability to care for himself without assistance from others.

The veteran's claim for service connection for gout was not addressed. The RO denied the claim for hypertension in February 1996 and the veteran did not appeal this decision. Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee was granted with a 10 percent rating effective June 26, 1984. The issue of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee remains pending.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The veteran also seeks a permanent and total rating for non-service-connected disability pension purposes, but the case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine if he meets the criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection claims related to Agent Orange exposure, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, a back disability, and skin conditions. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disorder, including hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease, was not incurred in or related to service.

The Board found no evidence of hypertension during service or within one year post-service, and the veteran's current diagnosis was not related to his military service. The claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Orlando Regional Sand Lake Hospital on April 28, 2000 are granted as the treatment was for a hypertensive emergency associated with her service-connected coronary artery spasm.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disease with jugular venous distention, finding that there was no clinical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and epididymitis, finding that both conditions began during the veteran's active military service. The claim for residuals of flash burns of the eyes was denied as there are no current residuals.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hypertensive cardiovascular disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and status post percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and asthma, finding no evidence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hypertension, left varicocele, and tonsillitis do not warrant increased ratings as there is no evidence of current manifestations or symptoms related to these conditions.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective from June 14, 1996. Service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD was denied.