Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's hypertension has been manifested by diastolic pressures predominantly less than 100mm. Hg and systolic pressures predominantly less than 160mm. Hg, without a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100mm. Hg or more that requires continuous medication for control. As such, the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Board denied service connection for right and left upper extremity disorders, finding that the Veteran did not sustain injuries or chronic conditions during active service. The disorders were not shown to be related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is otherwise unrelated to service. The claim for secondary service connection based on diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease was also denied as there was no evidence showing causation or aggravation.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred in or aggravated by service and is not etiologically related to any incident or disease during his active service, including as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's Graves' disease with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy is rated at 60 percent effective March 12, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, including as secondary to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), were granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension with chronic renal insufficiency and first degree atrioventricular block were denied. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 6, 2013, and a disability rating in excess of 40 percent since that time is pending.

The Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected status post left nephrectomy with renal insufficiency at the remaining right kidney. The Board grants entitlement to service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, verifying in-service herbicide exposure, and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and need for additional opinions regarding hypertension and its relationship to stroke residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore, DIC benefits are denied.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on his current treatment regimen and lack of complications requiring hospitalization or specific medical care.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during active service or within one year of active service, was not caused by his active service, and was not caused and has not been aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding service connection for PTSD and hypertension, as well as higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and allergic rhinitis were denied. The Board found that hyperlipidemia is not a disability for which VA compensation benefits are payable, while hypertension was shown to be related to service based on continuity of symptoms since service. Allergic rhinitis was not connected to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected and rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board also granted a higher rating for his anxiety disorder, but denied other claims including those for sleep apnea and arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for hypertension has been withdrawn. The cases of right and left pes plano valgus are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding its relationship to herbicide exposure and/or service-connected disabilities.