Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's conditions, while serious, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status prior to May 20, 2014.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current gastrointestinal disorder related to his service, and therefore denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension was not productive of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. As a result, the claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for liver disorder, digestive disorder (including reflux disorder), and hypertension due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service. The Board found that there was no in-service disease or injury related to these conditions, and there was insufficient evidence to support a link between any current disabilities and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further examinations of his service-connected traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, claimed as secondary to service-connected GAD and vertigo, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is found to be as likely as not preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and thus he is granted a TDIU effective November 15, 2010. The issue of hypertension remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a service-connected psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and therefore denied this claim. The evidence did not establish a link between any diagnosed mental health condition and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding heart disability and hypertension, as well as incomplete verification of herbicide exposure in Subic Bay. The Veteran's service treatment records show shortness of breath during service, which may be related to his current heart disability.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for hypertension, as there is no current diagnosis meeting VA criteria and the Veteran's STRs do not show hypertension during active duty. The most probative evidence indicates that hypertension was not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, acquired psychiatric disability (including dysthymic disorder), and PTSD. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is found to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service, including herbicide exposure. The evidence did not show a direct link between his diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement to service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, hypertension, migraines, or lumbar strain.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension, but remanded to obtain additional medical opinions on etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability is denied. The Board finds that a new VA examination is warranted due to the passage of time and changes in symptoms since the last examination.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, kidney disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), alcohol abuse disorder, acid reflux, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding exposure to Camp Lejeune and environmental toxins.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and a kidney disorder are all being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding in-service psychiatric treatment records and diagnoses.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol abuse disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding the relationship between his alcohol use and any diagnosed mental health conditions.,The Veteran's claim for acid reflux is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the Veteran's right total knee replacement (TKR) prior to August 22, 2012. The maximum schedular rating of 60 percent is assigned based on chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal issues, eye problems, and gastrointestinal issues. The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are necessary to address the nature and etiology of these claims.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have also been remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea. The claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.