Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the service connection claims for heart disability and hypertension.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension disability, treated with continuous medication since 1985, did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101 at any point during the period under appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The Veteran's TDIU rating claim is remanded as the VA examiner found that his diabetes and related peripheral neuropathy do not preclude him from performing sedentary work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a TBI examination and adjudication of the psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a new VA medical opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence addressing his current need for A&A. The case will be returned to the Board after obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, effective from August 25, 2010. The appeal for increased rating of PTSD was withdrawn.

PTSD and TMJ ratings remain denied.,Residuals of musculotendinous tear, right calf, and bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis have initial disability ratings denied.,Effective dates for PTSD and TMJ service connection are also denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and low back disability are being remanded for additional development to obtain medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is granted, and his PTSD rating is also granted. The issue of TDIU prior to July 11, 2011 remains before the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and issuing a statement of the case on several issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for secondary service connection due to diabetes mellitus type II is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and atypical Parkinson's disease are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his other psychiatric disorders are attributed to post-service events.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides and whether his conditions are related to such exposure. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by his service-connected heart disease and hypertension, thus granting service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions, as well as updated treatment records. The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.