Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling him for VA medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypertension warrants a noncompensable disability rating, as his blood pressure readings do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board found that there is no evidence of gout in service and did not establish a chronic disability within one year after separation. The Veteran's current diagnosis of hypertension was noted at the time of his entry into service, and the VA examiner will be asked to determine if it was aggravated by service.

The Board denied reopening the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and denied entitlement to an initial compensable rating for recurrent epistaxis. The issue of a higher rating for bilateral foot callus condition is pending in the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a service-connected condition for leukopenia, colon polyp, diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease.

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. A new examination by a VA examiner will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral leg disorder, hypertension, PTSD, vertigo, dyskinesia, paresthesia, diabetes mellitus, chronic pain (including as due to Agent Orange exposure), and spinocerebellar dysfunction. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to lack of evidence showing that his obesity and related conditions were caused by VA care, and denied reopening of his service connection claim for degenerative arthritis as no new and material evidence was received. The foot disability claim was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service. The Board is remanding the claims for a back injury, prostate disability, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining whether his injuries were due to willful misconduct.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and coronary heart disease, both secondary to his PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and thus no presumption of exposure to herbicides applies. The claims for service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease, and cerebral vascular disease have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected residuals of a hernia do not warrant an increased rating or earlier effective date. The Board found that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of treatment records from Dr. Whinnery, and requests that the Veteran provide necessary information for these records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of multiple joints (excluding shoulders), benign prostate hypertrophy, and hypertension. The evidence did not show a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not manifested in service or for many years thereafter, and is not shown to be related to service, including any herbicide exposure therein. Therefore, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and cardiovascular disorder other than hypertension are not service-connected as secondary to his PTSD. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, but granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease and hypertension are related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a direct connection to her military service or any other injury or illness incurred during service.