Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate examination report and failure to address a specific opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension, service-connected diabetes mellitus, and PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions and hypertension disabilities are not enumerated diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure. The central matter in this case is whether either the Veteran's documented heart disease are manifestations of ischemic heart disease or he otherwise has ischemic heart disease.

The Board found that a timely substantive appeal was filed for some issues but not others, and thus the decision regarding service connection for PTSD and higher initial ratings for sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis is considered valid.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an updated medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining this information.

The claim for service connection for paranoid personality disorder has been reopened and granted.,The claim for PTSD due to military sexual assault has also been reopened and granted.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II. The Veteran's other claims are pending and will be readjudicated after obtaining any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's condition was stable by May 12, 2010 and he could have been safely transferred to a VA facility for continued treatment. However, there is no evidence that the provider made reasonable attempts to transfer him.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was denied, but he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The decision also found that the Veteran is likely unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Additional records and an addendum opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA records and arranging for a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, PTSD, depression, and other conditions are pending.

The Veteran's hypertension and heart disorder are not related to service, including in-service chemical exposure.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently diagnosed but the relationship to service is unclear.

The Board has decided that the case should be remanded to further develop evidence related to the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including consideration of a presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of direct service connection for hypertension and the need for a VA examination regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the Nashville, Tennessee RO. The issues include service connection claims and reopening of a diabetes claim.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance by another individual.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected due to lack of chronicity in service and no evidence of continuity since service. The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss, hypertension, cervical spine DJD, and lumbar spine DDD are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for service connection based on in-service noise exposure or other established medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's kidney disease is related to his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension and found new and material evidence. The claims of service connection for a bilateral eye disorder and increased evaluation for PTSD are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The primary basis for denial is that there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.