Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current hypertension is related to service, and has remanded the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as pneumonia, due to or as a consequence of congestive heart failure and other conditions. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or the Vietnam era exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU and basic eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim for service connection for hypertension can be adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected PTSD or coronary artery disease and whether it was caused by Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, heart disability, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy, and loss of kidney are granted due to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of tinnitus, as well as current severity of his service-connected hypertension and right foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for a stomach disorder and hypertension were denied as there is no current disability, and the evidence does not support service connection.

The Board has determined that another VA examination and opinion are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, sleep apnea, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected lumbar and cervical disabilities. Effective July 11, 2012, the criteria for an increased initial rating of 30 percent for tension headaches have been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diverticulitis, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The claim for earlier effective date for addition of a dependent for pension benefits is currently pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension were denied, while his claim for an initial rating greater than 30 percent prior to May 29, 2007, for PTSD was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. Service connection is also granted for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case on his claim for an increased rating for PTSD with associated depression and for additional VA medical opinions to address service connection for cardiovascular disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling him for an appropriate video conference hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease are found to be due to his service-connected anxiety disorder with PTSD symptoms, while the eye disability and skin disability were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.