Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected depression.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development and examination, particularly regarding his heart disease claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability and finds that myofascial lumbosacral syndrome is etiologically related to active service. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for hypertension will be remanded as it was not addressed in the July 2013 decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in the evidentiary record, including obtaining updated VA examinations and opinions regarding service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's service connection claims, including a determination on whether there was clear and unmistakable error in an October 2008 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for PTSD are also being considered.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a more definitive opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension, cardiopulmonary arrest, and atherosclerotic vascular disease with his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, type II and peripheral neuropathy, are preventing him from securing or maintaining employment. The Board has ordered a new examination to assess the impact of these conditions on his employability.

The Board has remanded the case due to new claims and inextricably intertwined issues, including service connection for anxiety disorder which may affect the outcome of the hypertension and coronary artery disease claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his cardiomyopathy, which is related to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken for service-connected conditions. The cause of death is considered due to service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's hypertension was compensably disabling within one year of separation from service. The issue of secondary renal disability to hypertension is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the local RO in Roanoke, Virginia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and compensable rating were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a disorder manifested by tingling of the arms were denied as there is no evidence of in-service occurrence or continuity of symptomatology since discharge. The Board found that the Veteran was not exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Korea.

The Veteran's hypertension is being evaluated for secondary service connection to his diabetes. Further medical examination and development are needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeal for hypertension service connection was dismissed due to withdrawal. The Veteran is granted a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted equipment as he has loss of use of his feet due to service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a reopening of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects on other conditions, are not service-connected.