Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease, which includes carotid artery disease, is at least as likely as not caused by treatment for his service-connected coronary artery disease. The claim for service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service connected as it was first manifested within a year of active duty service and there is no evidence indicating it is due to an undiagnosed illness or exposure in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's CAD and COPD are not found to be related to his hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2; hypertension; and a skin disorder were denied as there was no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has ordered a new examination to address the Veteran's hypertension and its relationship to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, including diabetic complications. The remand also requires addressing previous medical records and opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's elevated blood pressure readings during service are consistent with the onset of his current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and outstanding private medical records. The Veteran's claims for heart disability, hypertension, ulcerative colitis, residual left Achilles tendon disability, and bilateral ankle arthritis are currently under review.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's reserve service and active duty periods, as well as a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension preexisted his second period of active duty service and whether it was aggravated by such service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for service connection for hypertension or a right foot disability. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has directed the VA to provide a remand for additional development and examination regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues regarding hypertension and coronary artery disease were not addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease and hypertension rendered him in need of care or assistance of another person to assist with various daily activities, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a relationship to military service.,VA has provided the Veteran with adequate notice regarding his rights and responsibilities in this matter.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for proper adjudication of the claims, including verifying exposure to herbicides and cleaning chemicals during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and hypertension. The decision also dismissed his claim for an increased rating for right knee instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental clinical opinion regarding whether his hypertension was chronically aggravated by active service in November 2003 and whether he has a right eye disability causally related to or aggravated by his hypertension.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition in service or within one year post-service. The VA examiner opined that the current conditions are more likely related to the Veteran's prior injury before service rather than any service-related factors.

The Veteran's hypertensive heart disease results in a left ventricular ejection fraction from 50-55 percent, which more closely approximates the criteria for a 60 percent rating under DC 7007. The claim for an increased rating for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board has remanded the case for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA clinical records and providing a clarifying opinion from the January 2009 and August 2011 VA examiner regarding whether service-connected migraines with muscle tension headaches or PTSD caused or aggravated hypertension.