Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for hypertension. The claim of reopening the Veteran's claim for myasthenia gravis is granted, but further examination is needed to determine if it was incurred in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's portal vein hypertension, esophageal varices, and hematemesis did not manifest in service or within one year of separation and were not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his VA vocational rehabilitation folder and a comprehensive examination to assess the functional effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's hypertension is not shown to have been productive of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more with required continuous medication for control. The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease is shown to have been productive of symptoms that include abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, regurgitation, and GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic heart disability, hypertension, GERD, or erectile dysfunction that is related to service or any service-connected condition. The appeal for these claims is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a breathing condition with chronic cough, but found the reduction of ratings from 20% to 10% for peripheral neuropathy of each lower extremity improper. The 20% rating is restored.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorder (to include hypertension) did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and are not related to his active service, including his alleged herbicide exposure. As such, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's vocational goal was not reasonably feasible due to his refusal of an Extended Evaluation plan and inability to establish feasibility, leading to the denial of his VR&E services.

The Veteran's hypertension, dysthymia, depression with psychosis, memory loss, cognitive impairment, fatigue, joint pain, skin disorder, and flu-like symptoms are all found to be related to service. The Veteran served in the Southwest Asian Theater of operations during the Gulf War.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension on a direct or secondary basis. The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for his previously scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected hypertension is being remanded due to the need for updated examination and treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy or hypertension, and therefore service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty and National Guard service. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for hypertension, recurrent headaches, and a depressive disorder. Further development is required regarding the diabetes mellitus, testicular disorder, lumbosacral spine, right ankle, and right knee claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and stroke residuals, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the hypertension claim and that there was no link between the current disabilities and service.

The Board found no evidence of a current TBI, and the appellant's preexisting flat feet and calluses did not worsen during service. The appellant does not have a current diagnosis for hypertension, residuals of a chin injury, bilateral vision disorder, or chronic headaches.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for additional development to determine if it was caused by or permanently worsened by his service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records and for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board found no evidence of in-country service or presumed exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not incurred during service and is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that service connection for a heart disability, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and aortic regurgitation is granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to August 16, 2010 is also granted.