Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides during service in Vung Tau Harbor and other locations close to the coastline of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hypertension is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records from January 2007 to the present.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as the need for a supplemental VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's epidermophytosis of both feet is rated at 30%, while his eczema of the scalp remains at 10%. The rating for hypertension was not addressed in this decision. Service connection for tinnitus and otitis externa has been granted.

The Board found no evidence of hypertension or erythromelalgia during service, and the Veteran did not provide any specific contentions in support of these claims. The weight of the evidence demonstrated that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeals regarding his service-connected right knee internal derangement, right clavicle fracture status post surgery, hypertension and scar, status post right clavicle surgery have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeals by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition during or within one year after her service. The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if there is any link between the Veteran's current hypertension and her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not causally or etiologically due to service, including exposure to herbicides. Therefore, service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for hypertension and restored the 50% rating for headaches. The claim for increased rating of low back strain with degenerative disc disease and sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis is denied. TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, prostate cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete opinions regarding whether the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and/or hypertension. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a hearing and further development is needed.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and skin rash are not related to service or due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and PTSD. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus or PTSD. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's diabetes did not cause his hypertension.

The Veteran's IBS, HH, and GERD are currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7319 for irritable colon syndrome. The criteria for a higher rating (60%) require symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. None of these symptoms have been shown.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7101. The criteria for a higher rating (20%) require diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more. None of these conditions have been shown.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service in the Republic of Vietnam. His hypertension may also be related to his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right elbow condition, left ankle condition, and hypertension were denied. The Board found that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim for right elbow condition. Service connection was also denied for left ankle condition and hypertension due to lack of current disability.

The Veteran's appeal was partially granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for left foot Morton's neuroma from September 1, 2010. The other issues remain pending.