Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for hypertension, blurred vision and/or cataracts, and a respiratory condition/COPD. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is service connected and rated at the maximum disability level. Effective July 18, 2011, he was granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease and right knee medial meniscal tear with a compensable rating for his scars.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as it was not shown to be related to active duty service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran's PTSD has been evaluated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent, and no higher evaluation is warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder, kidney disease, and respiratory disorder are not related to his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence linking these disabilities to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected schizophrenia and hypertension do not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his inability to care for most of his daily personal needs without assistance.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is at least 70%, meeting the threshold requirement for a TDIU. However, his service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including searching for records of in-service treatment and obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and further development is required.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is granted. The claims for increased ratings for glaucoma with bilateral cataracts, left thumb status post arthroplasty with degenerative changes and scars, and hypothyroidism are remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are found to be related to his service-connected PTSD, thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of a chronic disease in service or continuity of symptoms after service. The Veteran did not have a compensable degree of hearing loss within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated at 60 percent, effective from February 17, 2012. The appeal for hypertension remains pending as new and material evidence has not been submitted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, including his presence on the landmass of Vietnam. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection under the presumption of herbicide exposure.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and headaches are not addressed as they were remanded by the Board.

The case is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development, including providing the Veteran VA examinations and obtaining relevant treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional information regarding herbicide exposure at Andersen Air Force Base and to address the service connection of diabetes mellitus, Type II. The heart disability, kidney disability, and hypertension claims are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the diabetes mellitus claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and insomnia resulted in occupational and social deficiencies, warranting a 70 percent rating. His bilateral hearing loss is not compensable. The Veteran was granted service connection for his headache disability and right ankle disability but denied service connection for hypertension.