Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for hypertension was withdrawn, and the reduction in rating from 100 percent to 40 percent for prostate cancer was granted.,Prostate cancer residuals have been rated at 40 percent since September 1, 2009.

The Veteran's request for a hearing via video conference has been granted, and his claim of service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were found to be incurred as a result of his active duty, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of Persian Gulf service and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension. The Board has determined that further development, including obtaining medical opinions and arranging for a VA examination, is necessary to adjudicate the claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, duodenal ulcer, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claims of hypertension and duodenal ulcer, but not for ischemic heart disease. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have onset during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The heart disorder appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision could be made. Service connection for hypertension, claimed as secondary to a service-connected disability, is granted.

The Veteran is granted service connection for hypertension and obesity. Service connection for a respiratory disorder and chest pain was not established.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD, which prevents him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at the maximum schedular rating since November 28, 2012. Prior to that date, a higher rating is not warranted as his diabetes did not require medically prescribed regulation of activities.,For nephropathy with edema and hypertension, the criteria for a 60 percent disability rating were met prior to November 28, 2012. Since then, no higher ratings are warranted due to lack of evidence showing persistent edema or albuminuria with BUN levels above 40-80mg% or creatinine levels above 4-8mg%.,The Veteran's gout was rated at the maximum schedular rating since November 28, 2012. Prior to that date, a higher rating is not warranted as his gout did not manifest consistent limitation of motion, unintentional weight loss, anemia, incapacitating exacerbations or total incapacity.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disability was not incurred or aggravated in ADT service and denied his claims for secondary service connection for hypertension and psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following all substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and COPD to the AOJ for additional development due to a hearing request.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his eye disorders, including cataracts, blepharitis, dry eyes, ocular hypertension, astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia, were caused by exposure to non-ionizing radiation from radar equipment during service. As a result, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension and coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected coronary artery disease.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran's hypertension was shown in service and is currently present, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as being related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy.