Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease, associated with herbicide exposure, is rated at the maximum disability evaluation (100%) effective May 10, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, heart disease, and PTSD were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining missing service records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, headaches, and a respiratory disorder have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and verifying reported stressors. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension was evaluated, but did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on January 2, 2013 was denied as the evidence did not meet the requirements for emergency treatment under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to type II diabetes mellitus is currently on appeal. The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated during service and cannot be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and he did not have qualifying service for non-service connected death pension benefits. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits is denied as well.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence regarding service connection claims, including mental disorders, hypertension, respiratory disorders, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's service records show exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's hypertension and hepatitis have been rated at the minimum non-compensable level throughout the appeal period, with a 10 percent rating established for both conditions since December 23, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, but denied service connection for hypertension, GERD, a spinal disorder, and ED. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military noise exposure. Service connection was not established for hypertension or GERD as they are not related to diabetes mellitus. Peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and right lower extremity were granted initial evaluations of 40 percent each.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities, and there is no evidence that these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension, specifically whether it is due to service, including exposure to Agent Orange, or secondary to his PTSD. The appeal will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a heart disorder, eye disorder, or right shoulder disorder that was incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left knee, right knee, and hypertension have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hypertension and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the withdrawal of his appeal for PTSD and other issues will be reconsidered.