Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2015

The Board denied reopening claims for cervical spine and bilateral shoulder disabilities, as well as service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and numbness of the fingers. The Veteran's appeal was not successful in these matters.

The Veteran's headaches, hypertension, and cervical spine disorder are all found to be service-connected. The headaches have been linked to in-service symptoms, the hypertension is presumed to have manifested within one year of separation from service, and the cervical spine disorder is considered a chronic condition that has persisted since service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), as well as his claim for a higher initial rating for hypertension. The Board found that he did not have a ratable disability for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a sleep disorder, and a skin rash of the face were denied. The claim for fatigue was not reopened as new and material evidence had not been received. Increased ratings for PTSD and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the nature and etiology of his skin disorder, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify the relationship between his service-connected conditions and any current diagnoses, including whether they were first manifested during active duty.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging a comprehensive examination of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an SSOC.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The appeal is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder is not service-connected, but hypertension was found to be incurred in service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension, thus denying the reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and major depression was granted, with a current evaluation of 50 percent.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction was established effective January 28, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected hypertension does not warrant a compensable rating at any point during the period on appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's depression is not linked to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's kidney disability and hypertension claims are reopened, but the service connection for both conditions is denied as they are found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic kidney disease and hypertension, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion addressing whether his heart conditions are caused or aggravated by PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.

The Board found that there is no probative evidence showing hypertension was present in service, or related to service-connected disabilities. The opinion obtained from the November 2012 VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not that any hypertension had its onset during active service.