Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, COPD, and hypertension have been denied as there is no diagnosed psychiatric disorder or evidence of a stressor related to military service. The Veteran's coronary artery disease has also not been linked to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and no higher. The evidence does not support a finding of diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear at a previously scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding service connection for hypertension and a need for an addendum on herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic kidney stone disability, hypertension, and basal cell carcinoma are not service-connected.,There is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of his erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and a new VA opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for hypertension, which was caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The impairment of sphincter control issue will be addressed in a future remand as it may also be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, renal insufficiency, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the receipt of additional VA treatment records and private treatment records. The AOJ will review these records and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has granted a 40% rating for the Veteran's lumbar strain with IVDS effective June 24, 2009. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right leg is also service connected as secondary to his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and unverified service information.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disability, specifically tachycardia, is related to his military service. The Veteran was not granted service connection for hypertension or carpal tunnel syndrome (claimed as pinched nerve), radiculopathy, loss of strength, residuals of fracture, right fourth and fifth metacarpals, residual surgical scar, right hand, or TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions, including right hand scars, left hip scar, chin scar, and knee conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and right knee disability are not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension and headaches have been rated based on their severity, with a 10% rating for hypertension and a 50% rating for headaches. Both conditions meet the criteria under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is presumed to be service-connected due to herbicide exposure. The issue of hypertension, including as due to herbicide exposure and diabetes mellitus, remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, neck disability and increased evaluation for residuals of left ankle sprain are being reopened. The issues have been remanded to ensure proper development.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's hypertension is related to service or any incident therein, and it is more likely due to his pre-existing diabetes.