Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in service, as evidenced by his high blood pressure readings at separation and during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected condition. The evidence does not support a finding that his hypertension is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a brain aneurysm were denied as there is no credible evidence of such conditions in service or within one year following discharge, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that they are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated as 100% disabling, but he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disabilities. The case is REMANDED for further development and an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations. The claims of service connection for hypertension, secondary to PTSD, and TDIU rating are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for hypertension due to additional development and consideration of all evidence, including private medical records and VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, hand disorder, and hypertension are not related to his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether hypertension is related to service and if it was aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service. The Board also determined that there is no evidence of compensable hypertension within one year of service separation and that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions and assigned a 20% evaluation effective from April 4, 2005. The effective date is not earlier than this as it was received on that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining treatment records and conducting VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if hypertension is caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was granted in May 2011, which may constitute a complete grant of his depression claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and unit history reports. The Veteran's claim of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder will be adjudicated again after the development is completed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of both direct and secondary theories.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to his right knee disorder, left knee disorder, hearing loss, multiple arthralgias (joint pain), and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, as it is insufficient to establish a medical nexus between the Veteran's hypertension and his cardio-pulmonary arrest.

The Board finds that the appellant has failed to present evidence showing that VA's care or treatment caused or contributed significantly to the Veteran's death. The medical records indicate multiple health issues, including COPD and coronary artery disease, which were treated by VA prior to his death.

The Veteran's hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea were not shown to be related to his period of active duty or service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an eye examination to determine if his current eye disorders are related to his active service, including flash burns therein. The examiner should also address whether any diagnosed eye disorder is due to or aggravated by the service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's heart disease is presumed to be due to exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and skin disease are being remanded for further development.