Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is currently rated at a noncompensable evaluation. After review of the medical records, including VA and private treatment records, the Board finds that the Veteran requires continuous medication for control of his hypertension and has a history involving diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more. Therefore, he is entitled to a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's GERD, hypertension, and respiratory disability (claimed as COPD) are all found to have originated during his period of active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not otherwise related to his service-connected asbestosis. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and right inguinal hernia have been rated appropriately under the applicable rating criteria, with no need for a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted, but his claims for glaucoma, GERD, and hypertension with dizziness were denied. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of hypertension with dizziness.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has not resulted in diastolic pressure that is predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure that is predominantly 160 or more. Therefore, the criteria for an initial compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since March 1, 2007. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on diastolic or systolic pressure readings.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected, as there was no evidence of symptoms during service and a significant gap between discharge and diagnosis. The examiner also noted that the Veteran did not report any difficulty sleeping on his separation examination or subsequent military examinations.

The Veteran's left arm disability and hypertension have been rated appropriately based on the severity of their symptoms.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

All issues related to service connection have been granted. The Veteran's cluster headaches are rated at 50% effective October 1, 2010.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative bone disease, lung disorder (granulomata of the lungs with COPD), hypertension, heart disorder, headaches, depression as secondary to other medical conditions, flat feet, low back disorder, and bilateral leg disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or any in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, thus denying the appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records and private treatment records, as well as SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will also be provided with a new VA examination to address whether any of his claimed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim for service connection for heart disease can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus with hypertension, diabetic retinopathy with loss of visual acuity and fields, and erectile dysfunction have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Effective January 5, 2011, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if her hypertension and kidney disability are related to service. The issues of entitlement to service connection for both conditions will be addressed in light of any new evidence obtained during the remand process.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is likely caused by his service-connected PTSD and herbicide exposure, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension was not related to service or secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea, and the Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim.