Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, a respiratory disability, and hypertension due to exposure to herbicides. The RO assigned a single 30 percent rating for lipomas of the arms, legs, back, and stomach effective November 3, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as noncompensable since the grant of service connection. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, which is the highest rating assignable under the applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's migraines have been rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for migraines, which is the next higher rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and to obtain Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a supplemental medical opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and the need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's hypertension is being evaluated in relation to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his left heel spur was denied, but the Board found new and material evidence to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's condition was not stabilized until June 2, 2010, and thus he is entitled to reimbursement for his unauthorized medical expenses incurred on June 2, 2010.

The Veteran's claimed disabilities were not related to service and the Board denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an enlarged prostate and hypertension, which he claims are related to his military service and Agent Orange exposure. The Board has ordered additional development of his VA treatment records from 1980 to present.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a heart disability, hypertension, and bladder disability due to issues with the VA examiner's opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that there was no diagnosis of ischemic heart disease and that his current conditions (atrial fibrillation and hypertension) were not related to military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 20% from January 18, 2013. His kidney stones are rated at 30% since June 18, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not present during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to service. The claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran does not meet the legal criteria for basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of qualifying active service during a period of war.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorders and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated in service, nor could they be presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a service-connected condition causing or contributing to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and hypertension, as well as to schedule him for appropriate examinations. The claims are being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's hypertension is service connected as it began during his military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish that the Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred or aggravated by his military service.