Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's cardiovascular disease, including CHF, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension and left common carotid artery stenosis may be induced by exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and increased evaluations for cervical spine fractures with traumatic arthritis and lumbosacral strain. The veteran's headaches are rated as noncompensable.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for hypertension with sporadic premature ventricular contractions. The issues of low back disability, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis with enlarged turbinates, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were also addressed but are pending further development.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred during his hospital stays is denied because VA facilities were feasibly available and the veteran did not utilize them.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to his period of service and thus, denied this claim. The Board found sufficient evidence to support a finding that hypertension was incurred in service.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of service connection for schizophrenia, hepatitis, chronic prostatitis, and hypertension were not well grounded. The evidence did not show any current disabilities or a link between these conditions and his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hypertension is denied as the evidence does not show that his diastolic blood pressure has been predominantly 120 or more, which would warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's Crohn's Disease with sclerosing cholangitis and pyoderma gangrenosum have been granted increased ratings, while his hypertension remains at a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was not well grounded due to insufficient evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and aortic valve replacement is not well grounded. The veteran has failed to present competent evidence of a link between his period of active service and his subsequent diagnosis and treatment for cardiovascular disorders.

The Board previously denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. The case is being remanded to allow the veteran to have a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for a videoconference hearing at the Winston-Salem, North Carolina Regional Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Board found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for hypertension and hiatal hernia, as the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his contact dermatitis and hypertension, as well as a TDIU claim based on service-connected disabilities, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability ratings beyond the current levels.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection on multiple issues, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection in any of these areas.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension and determined that it is well grounded. The veteran's current hypertension is attributable to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cause of death is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his heart and pulmonary conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with hypertension, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under either the old or new criteria.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain additional medical records from VA and private sources, including SSA records. The case will be remanded for further development.