Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination of both shoulders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, neutropenia, and erectile dysfunction were denied as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or within the first post-service year. The Veteran did not have asbestosis or an asbestos exposure-related disease.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus and hypertension has been denied as the disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The appellant's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on February 15, 2009, at the emergency room of Tulane University Hospital and Clinic were covered due to the presence of a serious threat to his health from a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected hypertension, which had its onset during service. The Board therefore granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. However, the claim cannot be granted on a presumptive basis as hypertension is not among the diseases linked to herbicide exposure. The Board requested an opinion from VA regarding whether Agent Orange exposure could cause hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with service connection for hypertension and a heart disorder, including a murmur. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again after obtaining additional medical records and conducting further examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, basal cell carcinoma, colon polyps, eye disorder, and lung disorder are not related to his active military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the claimed conditions, including as secondary to radiation exposure. The Veteran's claims are supported by medical evidence and his own statements.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the service connection for hypertension, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by any service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and renal disorder are not service connected as they did not begin during active service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence showing a connection to any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to reopening a claim of service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to a service-connected disability. The issue will be adjudicated again after any necessary development.

The Veteran's service connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, left knee disorder and cervical spine disorder are all found to be related to his active duty service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for hypertension from 20 percent to 10 percent was proper based on evidence showing improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA in the Army Reserves. The VA will obtain these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if any benefit sought remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for headaches was reopened and granted. Service connection for hypertension is granted as the evidence shows a history of hypertension within one year of discharge from service. The Veteran's tinnitus is also found to be related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not proximately due to, or aggravated by, his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran seeks service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, including whether they are related to his military service or any herbicide exposure.