Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The claim is also referred back to the RO for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not start during service and is not otherwise related to service. The evidence shows elevated blood pressure readings in service, but these were usually due to emergency room visits or pain. The Veteran was not officially diagnosed with hypertension until 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and likely etiology of hypertension and any diagnosed heart condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertensive vascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. The appeals were based on exposure to ionizing radiation during military service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and neuropathy of the left lower extremity are granted service connection as a result of in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection for hypertension and skin cancer is also granted due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, which is secondary to a service-connected tendon inflammation disability, has been remanded due to outstanding service treatment records and the need to obtain additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to address his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of treatment and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's hypertension will be evaluated based on its onset during or caused by service, exposure to herbicides, diabetes, depression, or permanent worsening due to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia. The Veteran is also entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, but the decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others not. The Veteran's appeal involves secondary service connection for hypertension due to PTSD or CAD.

The Veteran is precluded from substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these claims. The Board also found that pre-existing psychiatric disorder was not aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants this claim. However, there is no evidence of a current diagnosis for peripheral vascular disease, and therefore denies this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension remains pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's National Guard personnel records and medical treatment records, as well as VA examination opinions regarding his claimed disabilities. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's GERD and hypertension are not service connected, with the Board finding that his hypertension is less likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic headaches, residuals of back injury, and hypertension are not related to service.,Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, and schizophrenia. However, it is remanding this issue to allow further development. The initial rating for hypertension remains unchanged as a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for a higher rating has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for an examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is caused or worsened by service, diabetes mellitus, or PTSD. The claim will be returned for further development.