Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and to obtain a complete copy of his VA treatment records. The claims for service connection for hypertension, increased rating for DMII, and compensable hearing loss are all pending.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that his diastolic pressure is predominantly under 100 and systolic pressure is predominantly under 160. Therefore, a higher rating for hypertension is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and an initial compensable rating of 10% for hypertension. The Veteran's cardiac disorder and insomnia claims have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a respiratory disorder are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for VA examinations. The case will be adjudicated based on the evidence of record.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding new and material evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus as secondary to the service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, aortic stenosis, and skin rash/condition are not related to his service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The issues of service connection for hypertension and bilateral knee strain are among those that need further review.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension based on evidence showing the condition manifested within one year of discharge from active duty. The heart condition issue remains pending and will be addressed in a future examination.

The case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of statements of the case on service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to service or caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The RO/AMC must also seek and obtain any relevant treatment records from private providers.

The Board found conflicting medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA examiner concluded that hypertension was not caused or aggravated by diabetes mellitus, as both conditions were diagnosed around the same time in 1997.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran and his representative are requested to provide additional information regarding their organizational assignments during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to an herbicide agent (Agent Orange) at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam is denied as there is no current diagnosis of arthritis. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made, including obtaining VA treatment records and service treatment records. A VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral leg disability will also be conducted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a clarification of the VA reviewer's opinions regarding the etiology of the appellant's hypertension.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic rectal cancer, which is not service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking the cancer or its causes to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow disorder, left carpel tunnel syndrome, and recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including VA treatment records. Further examination is also required to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.