Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral vision problems and initial compensable disability rating for hypertension is denied. The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral eye disorder related to service or service-connected hypertension, and the Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address whether the Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including TBI and mood disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's hypertension developed in service and is currently present. The claim for a sleep disorder to include narcolepsy and insomnia remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and high cholesterol are all service-connected as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, head injury, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The claim for migraine headaches was not addressed. The Veteran is found to have a need for aid and attendance due to his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's spine disabilities, specifically degenerative joint disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, are rated at 20 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 40 percent beginning from that date. The Veteran also has right lower extremity radiculopathy as a neurological manifestation of his spine disability, which is separately rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and back disorders, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for hypertension and granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, as well as a renal disorder. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of colon cancer and essential hypertension were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a higher rating under VA's schedular criteria.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for hypertension and bilateral shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, sleep apnea, and hypertension. The evidence received since the previous denials is new and material, and sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The case will be remanded for a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran died from cardiopulmonary arrest due to cancer, with diabetes and hypertension as significant contributing factors. Service connection was not established for any condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for gout, hypertension, and cramping in arms and legs. The claim for lumbar spine degenerative changes was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension, cervical dysplasia status post LEEP process, and service-connected scars from a breast reduction are all granted. The Veteran does not have current residuals of the in-service breast reduction.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that the current level of disability did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating, as he does not require insulin and restricted diet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disabilities, including hypertension, were not incurred in service and are not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.