Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication for control but has not been productive of diastolic pressure higher than 100 or systolic pressure higher than 160. The Board finds that a compensable evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not manifested during his active military service and is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his active military service. As such, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hearing loss, residuals of head trauma, facial scars, neck disability, and low back disability. The PTSD claim was also denied as there is no current disability warranting a rating.

The Veteran's low back disability, hypertension, residuals of urethral stricture and surgical repair, and hemorrhoids have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent each. The effective date is November 1, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus type II disability, but denied service connection for hypertension and psoriasis on the basis that they are not related to herbicide exposure or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension, which required continuous medication and had a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, was found to meet the criteria for a 10 percent initial rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a left leg stress fracture is granted. The claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and low back disability are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for an upper back condition, chronic fatigue, sleep apnea, hypertension, or residuals of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, peripheral vascular disease of the left lower extremity, and gout are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a Statement of the Case.

The RO denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as due to Agent Orange exposure in September 2008, and no appeal was submitted within one year of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during the rating period.,Service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, including hypertension and atrial fibrillation, was also denied due to lack of direct or presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition, including depression and PTSD, is service-connected.,His headaches are presumed to be related to his Gulf War service.,His left shoulder condition first manifested during service.,His neck condition likely began in-service due to a motor vehicle accident.,Erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability and hypertension.,Obstructive sleep apnea is service-connected.,Hypertension is also service-connected, linked to the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of her claims on appeal, including those for service connection and initial disability ratings.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. Ratings were denied for the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, with no rating assigned for his left ankle disability.

The Veteran's initial ratings for IBS, Allergic Rhinosinusitis, Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder prior to December 9, 2010, and Hypertension have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU. Service connection has not been established for the respiratory condition, right knee disability, or hypothyroidism.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no competent evidence linking his current condition to his active service or time in the reserves. The issue of whether new and material evidence exists to re-open the claim for tinnitus remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between his current conditions and military service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus, hypertension, and a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD are granted. The initial compensable rating of 10 percent for tinea pedis and onychomycosis is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney cancer and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.