Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for hypertension, upper and lower extremity disabilities, and residuals of right little finger injury due to inadequate opinions in prior decisions. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, hypertension, headaches/migraines, and skin rash have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal of these issues.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both potentially related to his military service in Thailand. The Board has determined that further development is needed, including verification of Agent Orange exposure and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, hypertension, headaches, and sleep apnea. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service, caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability (diabetes mellitus or panic disorder), and not caused by exposure to herbicide agents. As such, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and related medications did not cause or contribute to his death.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected disabilities or if it was aggravated by them.

The Veteran's hearing loss and hypertension are being remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a VA examination to assess its current severity and whether it precludes him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim must also be remanded for a VA examination. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the above-remanded issues.,The Veteran's right knee disability and diabetes mellitus claims are being remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's right knee disability and diabetes mellitus claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, prostate gland disorder, bladder disorder, and hypertension are all related to his military service exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran is seeking recognition of his son, D.W.M., as the 'helpless child' due to multiple health conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to fully assess this claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused by his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran died from rectal adenocarcinoma with contributory causes of death including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and dementia. The cause of death is not service-connected as there is no evidence linking the cancer to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if her service-connected disabilities prevent her from securing or maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a cardiovascular condition is remanded as additional medical examination and opinion are required.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from May 10, 2011 is granted. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was incurred during active duty service and granted service connection for this condition. The other issues regarding hypertension and a psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during active duty service and therefore, his claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are denied as they are not presumed due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence does not establish a current disability in these areas as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and arthritis of the hands are being remanded due to incomplete records, including missing military personnel records. The RO must attempt to locate these records and determine if the Veteran is eligible for Agent Orange Registry or Gulf War Registry examinations. If so, he should be scheduled for VA examinations to address his current diagnoses and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.