Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the Veteran's local RO and sending the hearing notice to his correct address in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow him a videoconference hearing before the Board, and for further development of his claims.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and hypertension are being REMANDED to the AOJ.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is being reopened due to new evidence received since the March 2010 rating decision. The AOJ should locate the prior denial decision and associate it with the record before readjudicating the matter.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, and a disability of both lower extremities (other than peripheral neuropathy) are being REMANDED to the AOJ. The AOJ should obtain VA treatment records related to these conditions.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension is being REMANDED to the AOJ. The AOJ should locate outstanding VA treatment records and arrange for a VA examination with nexus opinion to determine the likely etiology of his current hypertension.

The Veteran's hypertension, which required continuous medication for control since 2008, is assigned an initial compensable rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain deck logs for his ship, U.S.S. Tripoli, to determine if he was exposed to herbicides during his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension were denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and hypertension were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected metatarsalgia with pes planus. 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 tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD/depression), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is found to be directly related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's isolated systolic hypertension was manifested to a compensable degree within one year following his separation from service, and the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service or a service-connected disability. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's sinusitis, hypertension, sleep apnea, and transient ischemic attacks with strokes are not attributable to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea due to a need for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and stroke residuals are being remanded due to the need for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and development of evidence, including obtaining VA treatment records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on claimed loss of use of the voice is denied as he has not experienced complete organic aphonia with constant inability to communicate by speech during the appellate period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and thus, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension, low testosterone and prostate disability are being remanded for further examination and determination of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing as requested by the Veteran's representative.