Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining all records reviewed in conjunction with the Veteran's claim and post-June 2012 treatment records from the Dallas VA Medical Center. The issue is also being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the origin or etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's chronic renal failure and whether it is caused or permanently aggravated by his service-connected hepatitis C. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the hypertension issue.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension secondary to the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder. The increased evaluation for anxiety disorder and TDIU claims are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various gastrointestinal and psychiatric conditions, as well as a crushed right foot with bone spur, are granted.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to his military service and is considered a direct result of the condition. The claim for left shoulder disability has been reopened due to new evidence, but service connection remains denied.

The Veteran's right wrist fusion residuals are rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal for increased ratings on other issues remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, and a right fifth metacarpal fracture are denied. Service connection is granted for hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's skin disorder and sleep disorder claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a cardiovascular condition, and blood clots. The right ankle disability claim was not addressed as it pertained to revision of an August 1989 rating decision on CUE in failing to adjudicate a right ankle disability claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is directly related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides, or proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes. The examiner must also provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including postoperative residuals of radical prostatectomy for carcinoma of the prostate and adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety associated with this condition, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran did not exhibit hypertension or cardiovascular disease during service, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct connection between these conditions and his military service. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, right and left knee disorders, cervical spine disorder, post-phlebitic syndrome (right and left lower extremities), skin disorder, and sleep apnea, all presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. The decision did not assign a rating or provide an effective date.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a supplemental VA opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not that the condition is proximately due to or permanently aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and related conditions, are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports regarding whether service-connected diabetes mellitus caused or aggravated hypertension and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension has been manifested by a history of diastolic pressure of 100 or more, requiring continuous medication for control. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial evaluation of 10 percent have been met.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on peripheral artery disease of the left lower extremity and scars on the left ankle is being remanded to the RO. The Veteran currently has a 50% rating for PTSD, effective November 13, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether his condition is related to service, secondary to other conditions, or caused by medication.