Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's hypertension, which required continuous medication for control of his blood pressure readings, was granted an initial compensable rating (10%) effective January 14, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hypertension or hypothyroidism as a result of service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for these conditions were denied.,For diabetes mellitus, the Board determined that it did not require insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent from March 30, 2006 and prior to September 8, 2006, but required avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities beginning on September 8, 2006. The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic increase in the severity of his condition due to medication used for sinusitis. The Board finds that while pseudoephedrine can cause an increase in blood pressure, it does not result in a permanent aggravation of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, heart disability, damaged teeth, bilateral shoulder disability, and low back disability are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination. The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed to determine if it is related to service or any other conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and right knee disability are found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his left knee disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying the appellant's periods of active duty and inactive duty training. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and information from the Social Security Administration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis during or within one year after service and concluding that the condition is not related to service.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions due to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have contributed to his death from vascular dementia, which was caused by hypertension. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a Social Industrial Survey and obtaining records of vocational services discussions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for alcoholism/dementia. The Veteran is now seeking service connection for PTSD, hypertension, and gout as secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as service personnel records. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for service connection, as it was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board also determined that there is no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2 and/or PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not related to service. Service connection for hepatitis C due to Agent Orange exposure in Korea is granted. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from private providers and ensuring all relevant evidence has been considered.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and diabetes mellitus, require regular aid and attendance due to his inability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing himself, preparing meals, keeping himself clean and presentable, and protecting himself from environmental hazards.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.