Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 3, 1995, for a grant of an evaluation of 100 percent for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, and pacemaker insertion, with hypertension is denied.

The veteran's elevated cholesterol, alcohol dependency, and hypertension were all found to have onset in service or are related to service. The claims for these conditions are granted.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for hypertension effective May 18, 1995. The case is held in abeyance pending completion of the development requested.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a cholecystectomy, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorder, hypertension, and respiratory disorder are all related to his active service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as he is not helpless or blind, nor so nearly helpless or blind as to require such assistance. The RO has also awarded a 30 percent rating for mood disorder, 10 percent ratings for hypertension and enlarged prostate with nocturia, and noncompensable ratings for bronchitis and gastritis/pancreatitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for essential hypertension and gouty arthritis (claimed as gout) secondary to his service-connected kidney stones have been denied. The RO previously denied these claims in July 1990, which became final.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to new and existing legal requirements, including the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The issues include service connection for hypertension, a pension rating, and reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied as there is no evidence of hypertension meeting the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable regulations, and the other conditions do not meet the requirements for direct service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back injury, shoulder injury, head injury, and hypertension with cerebrovascular accident residuals. The Board found that there was no evidence of infectious mononucleosis in service or any other condition related to service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have hypertension related to his military service and denied both his claim for service connection for hypertension and his request for an increased rating for lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran is unemployable due to multiple disabilities, including chronic lumbar syndrome and degenerative joint disease. The evidence shows he suffers from a combination of conditions that prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's knee strain and tinnitus are related to his active service, but hypertension is not established. The decision denies all other claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The veteran's pension overpayment of $3,810.00 is waived due to undue hardship caused by financial constraints and the need for medical care. The veteran does not meet criteria for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board found no evidence to support the claim that the veteran's heart disorders are related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but denied the claims of service connection for Raynaud's disease and a foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and additional development is required.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death is not related to service, a service-connected disorder, or VA examination/treatment. The appellant's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as there is no evidence showing that the VA medical treatment in February 1957 contributed to cause his death.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the veteran did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the May 1997 rating decision denying service connection for hypertension secondary to pneumoconiosis.

The veteran's claim to reopen for service connection of hypertension is pending. The RO denied the claim in July 1995, but did not receive a timely appeal. The veteran submitted new medical records and correspondence from his private physician. Further efforts are needed to obtain service medical records and verify the veteran's service. Additional medical examination is also required.