Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's TIAs were first manifested on July 24, 2004. The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of TIAs secondary to his service-connected hypertension should be set at this date.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II and/or PTSD due to additional evidence received from the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and cardiovascular disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 90%, which meets the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, he has been employed in a protected environment and currently earns income that exceeds the poverty threshold for one person. The evidence does not show that his service-connected conditions render him unemployable.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for CTS of the left upper extremity and hypertension, finding that these conditions are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected ischemic heart disease. The issues have been remanded to issue a Statement of the Case regarding hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for hypertension or psoriasis, and there was no evidence of PTSD, tinnitus, right lower extremity radiculopathy, or any other claimed conditions.

The Veteran's diabetes is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during service. The claims for hyperlipidemia, cataracts, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and hypertension are all granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and kidney problems are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to his military service and herbicide exposure.

The Veteran was not diagnosed with a chronic bilateral shoulder/arm disability at any point during the appeal period.,A chronic bilateral hand disability was not manifest in active service, arthritis of the hands was not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of discharge from active duty, and any bilateral hand disability was not otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence of onset during service or within one year after separation. The Board also found that these conditions were not caused by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an adequate VA examination to determine whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that hypertension did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. The Veteran's PTSD was diagnosed but the examiner determined it was less likely than not related to service, specifically the verified in-service stressor of being exposed to rocket attacks.

The Veteran's appeals were denied for various conditions and benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee condition has led to secondary hip, back, and respiratory conditions. The Board granted the claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and service connection of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was granted. The Board found that the hypertension is related to his active duty service from February through October of 2003.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of coronary artery disease associated with hypertension is being remanded due to the need for clarification on the relationship between arteriosclerosis and later diagnosed coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and arranging for a VA examination.