Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, status-post discectomy and laminectomy with herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-5, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were denied as there is no legal basis upon which to award separate schedular ratings for each ear or a higher schedular rating for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and initial noncompensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss have been granted. Service connection has also been established for hypertension and prostate disability, with a compensable rating assigned for the latter condition.

The Veteran's hypertension was not diagnosed within one year of discharge from service and is not related to her service-connected cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD). The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development, including issuing a statement of the case on the issue of entitlement to TDIU. The Veteran will have an opportunity to appeal this decision if he chooses.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its relationship to service-connected conditions. His claim for a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction is also being remanded.

The Board finds that the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and therefore, does not meet the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obesity and hypertension are secondary to his service-connected left thigh contusion and bilateral knee degeneration, respectively.

The Veteran's appeal for right knee disability was withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew her appeal prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Veteran's acne and hypertension were found to be service-connected, with no specific rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his tinnitus, PTSD with MDD, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to verify his service dates and obtain a VA examination to determine if his hypertension and right leg condition are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, gastroparesis, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy in both legs and arms, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's hypertension, requiring continuous blood pressure medication, warrants a 10 percent initial rating. His headaches have been manifested by very frequent characteristic prostrating attacks and warrant an initial 10 percent evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disability and hypertension, finding that both conditions were preexisting and not aggravated by service. The motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was denied.

The case is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of hypertension and to obtain updated medical opinions regarding the severity of hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver.

The Veteran's total and permanent disability rating due to service-connected disabilities, including his chronic cardiac disability affecting balance or propulsion, meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during active service, was not shown to be related to a service-connected condition, and is not otherwise etiologically linked to his military service. As such, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and BPH are found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss as it is at least as likely as not that the condition was incurred during active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection for hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection for hypertension.