Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide a VA examination for his PTSD claim. The remaining claims will be dismissed as withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bronchitis, gall bladder disease with left-sided stomach pain, skin rash with itching, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current diagnoses or a link between these conditions and her military service, including exposure to mustard gas.,The Veteran's claims for service connection were based on presumptive service connection due to exposure to mustard gas during active duty. However, the Board determined that there was insufficient medical evidence linking any of the claimed conditions to her military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and emphysema. The remaining issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, compensable rating for hearing loss, and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral ankle disorder, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension prior to May 14, 2014 are denied. As of May 14, 2014, his claim for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension is also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and earlier effective date, finding no evidence of a current disability in most cases or no causal link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to new evidence received after the last supplemental statement of the case was issued in September 2014.

The Veteran's hypertension was not manifested by diastolic readings predominantly 110 or more or systolic readings predominantly 200 or more prior to June 8, 2013. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction were denied. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim was granted with a rating of 50% from July 17, 2012 onwards.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type 2. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a multiple joint disorder is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension and its relationship to his service-connected conditions, including removal of right kidney.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and gastrointestinal (IBS) disorders are not related to service or service-connected disabilities. However, hypertension is found to be unrelated to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a lumbar spine disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension and arthritis of the lumbar spine are found to be related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disorder and cause of death.

The Veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to her conditions, including chronic obstructive airway disease, COPD, morbid obesity, osteoarthritis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, macular degenerative, and glaucoma. She requires assistance with activities such as transferring, walking, climbing stairs, shopping, cooking, housework, laundry, and taking her medications.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound is REMANDED. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining necessary medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased ratings for various knee conditions, arthritis, and Bell's palsy. Additionally, the Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hammer toe, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, left ankle arthritis, lumbar spine disorder, asthma, and hepatitis C. The appeal is being remanded to allow for a new hearing before a different Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, secondary to PTSD, is granted. The issue of TDIU prior to April 24, 2013, is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2 and grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.