Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD and disability of the fifth cranial nerve secondary to bilateral glaucoma, as well as her claim for a rating in excess of 80 percent for bilateral glaucoma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, kidney disorder, and hypertension are all service-connected as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy, and increased ratings for type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vascular disease, left lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy associated with diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and informing the Veteran of his right to representation. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and insomnia, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not related to his military service or a service-connected disability. The claim for higher initial rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension and sleep apnea are not related to military service, and denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and attempting to obtain private treatment records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are inextricably intertwined with his claim for herpes zoster.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a supplemental VA medical opinion to address whether hypertension is secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted with an effective date of February 25, 2004. The combined disability rating at that time included multiple service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development in accordance with the Court's Memorandum Decision of November 2009. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right knee disability, residuals of a chest injury, and hypertension.

The Veteran's hypertension was not diagnosed during service and is not linked to any in-service incident or exposure. As such, the claim for service connection for hypertension cannot be established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to allow for a VA examination and opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his cardiovascular disorder, dizziness, and headaches. The examiner will assess whether these conditions are related to service or aggravated by his service-connected chronic lumbar spine strain.

The Veteran's high blood pressure and stroke were not found to be related to her service. Her dysthymia was diagnosed but the Board is unsure if it has a connection to service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his service, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions. Other claims of service connection have been granted.

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 the nature and etiology of his claimed heart condition and the severity of his service-connected bronchitis and psychological disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a right shoulder disability, hearing disability, and other conditions. The evidence does not support a finding of nexus between these disabilities and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and VA examination reports regarding hypertension and cataracts. The claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the lack of an opinion regarding herbicide exposure and its relation to his condition. The issue will be reviewed again after additional development.