Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for a neck disorder and migraine headaches due to lack of remaining allegations of error in law or fact. The issues of service connection for left hip disorder, sleep disorder, and hypertension are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to lack of evidence showing a diagnosis within one year of discharge. The claims were decided on the basis of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD, hypertension, and benign prostatic hypertrophy are secondary to his service-connected residuals of PTB. The claim for colon cancer is denied as there was no chronic disease in service or continuous symptoms after service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, or bilateral pes planus. The claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability in these conditions at any time during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or related to his active service, and is not secondary to a service-connected disability. As such, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for hypertension and a disability of the aorta, thus denying these claims.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, major depression, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, a heart condition, sarcoidosis, and a back disability have all been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during service or related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted. The issue of service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further consideration.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to have had its onset during her active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the appellant's National Guard service and obtain his complete service treatment records. The VA will also need to obtain any outstanding private treatment records, including those from Dr. M.J. and the emergency room at Fort Rucker.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including an examination to consider the impact of his bilateral hearing loss on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and earlier effective dates are addressed, with some issues granted and others denied. The appeal is considered 'mixed' as it includes both granted and denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been granted, with the condition being secondary to his service-connected back and legs disorders.,The claim for hypertension was reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing hypertension was aggravated by his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were denied. The Board found that hypertension was established during active duty, but no current right ankle or back disability has been shown to be related to service. Right knee disorder is not supported by evidence of a current disability.