Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, bilateral lower extremity sciatica, hypertension, right and left hip disorders, and atrophy of the leg are all denied as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension, a service-connected disability, was listed as a contributory cause of his death. The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension should be considered service-connected and grants service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and hypertension. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD, currently rated at 30 percent prior to November 17, 2010 and 100 percent thereafter, is granted. The effective date of the increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder with PTSD, which was initially rated as 30 percent disabling and later increased to 70 percent effective April 5, 2000, is granted. The effective date for the 70 percent rating remains April 5, 2000.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, PTSD, and hypertension as secondary to service-connected PTSD. Service connection for a gastric ulcer is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and heart disease have been permanently aggravated by his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, and thus grants service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for COPD. The issue of hypertension is denied as there was no indication of a relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his presumed in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and due process issues, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period on appeal prior to February 26, 2010.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it is at least in equipoise with the evidence and thus granting secondary service connection based on PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and thus denied all of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities, including insomnia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, a gastrointestinal disability (hiatal hernia), major depressive disorder, TDIU, and Dependents' Educational Assistance. The Board has determined that these claims should be remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for DM II and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are still pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis are being remanded for further evaluation as the current state of his conditions has not been assessed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits were denied across multiple conditions and disabilities. The appeal is not about any presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, or other specific bases.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and hypertension. The Veteran's CAD, erectile dysfunction, and headaches are found to be related to his hypertension.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence submitted by the Appellant. However, the claim remains denied as there is no indication that any of the causes of the Veteran's death are related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.