Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's atopic dermatitis is rated as 10 percent disabling since November 23, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's hypertension and psoriasis were granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and right hand disability are also granted as direct service connection based on evidence of in-service onset or aggravation.

The Veteran's low back disability and hypertension have been granted service connection. The increased rating claims for PTSD, recurrent urolithiasis/kidney stones, left knee disability, and TDIU are pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee arthritis, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim will be reviewed again with a new opinion from an appropriate medical provider.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA's schedular guidelines. Service connection claims for back, respiratory, and hypertension disorders are also pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered together, render him unemployable. The case is REMANDED for a comprehensive examination to determine the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and will consider ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA service in addition to active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and headaches. The Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during active service, his hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and his headaches are rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Veteran's right hip disability is rated at 50 percent effective December 1, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain or limitation of motion following his total hip replacement.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service and private treatment records related to hypertension. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and for further development before readjudicating the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, and further research is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, finding that his current heart disorders did not exist prior to military service and were not linked to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD, higher ratings for PTSD and head injury residuals, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to any of these benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service, specifically his presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The examiner must also provide an opinion on whether PTSD aggravates the Veteran's hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and the provision of his most recent VA outpatient treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the onset of hypertension and a need for an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota on October 10 and 11, 2006 is granted due to the criteria being met.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left leg/thigh numbness, and a left leg/hip disorder with limitation of motion. The evidence does not support these claims as there is no competent medical evidence linking any of these conditions to his military service.