Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA cardiology examination to address whether any current cardiovascular disorder had its clinical onset during active service or is related to any in-service disease, event, or injury. The examiner should also provide opinions on whether any current cardiovascular disorder was caused by or aggravated by the Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's appeal has been granted, and he is now receiving a TDIU. The issues of service connection for hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, PTSD, tinnitus, right hand disorder, left shoulder disorder, and skin rash have all been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and if so, whether it is secondary to other service-connected conditions.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's terminal hospitalization and addressing whether his service-connected hypertension contributed to his cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding service connection for hypertension and left arm disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional records and a medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, hypertension, a right knee disability, a circulatory condition, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found no credible or competent evidence of current disabilities in these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial compensable disability ratings were denied. The appeal for bilateral degenerative joint disease of metatarsophalangeal joints with bilateral calcaneal spurs and severe pes planus was withdrawn by the Veteran, while his claims for left ear hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and tinea pedis remained denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed cardiovascular disorder, pulmonary disorder, diabetes mellitus, and arterial hypertension due to exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and hypertension. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension and dermatophytosis have been evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings are denied as there is no evidence of diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension (secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder), and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated treatment records from SSA and VA Vocational Rehabilitation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his hearing preferences. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly decide the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension. Specifically, an addendum to the November 2006 VA examination report must be obtained addressing the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, including as due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus, chronic yeast infections, and hypertension were all found to be related to service. The Board granted the claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for compensable disability ratings for onychomycosis, tinea ungium of all toenails, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure in duty to assist and jurisdictional issues. The Veteran's claims for service connection are now pending again with the RO.

The Veteran's heart disability is not considered to be caused by VA treatment, including participation in research studies in 1988 and 1992. The preponderance of evidence does not support the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.