Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and conducting a medical opinion regarding whether any service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for type 2 diabetes mellitus are being addressed.

The Veteran's diabetes and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus service connection is denied.,The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including cancer of the left pharyngeal tonsil, ischemic heart disease, bilateral swelling of the feet, headaches, PTSD, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disability to include acid reflux, sleeping disorders to include sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, skin disorder (chloracne), bleeding from the nose and mouth, tinnitus, an upper back and/or neck disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision does not specify a rating assigned or effective date.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected back condition. The hypertension claim is remanded due to a lack of recent medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an SOC addressing his claim for additional reimbursement under the FMP for medical treatment/services rendered in Poland.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further development and consideration of the additional evidence submitted since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and therefore denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that there is not clear and unmistakable evidence to show that the Veteran's hypertension preexisted his service. The January 2016 VA examination established that it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest in service or within one year of separation, and is not proximately due to his service-connected ischemic heart disease. Therefore, service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims is related to his service-connected coronary artery disease. The Board has determined that additional development of the record is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing due to his request for one.

The Veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including hernias with progression to an intestinal fistula and arthritis of multiple joints, render her helpless or so nearly helpless that she requires the regular aid and attendance of another person for special monthly pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is causally related to his service-connected PTSD and grants service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of records and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and blood disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes were not incurred or aggravated by service, as they existed prior to his entry into military service. The Veteran was not shown to have aggravation of these conditions during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disorder did not begin during or for several decades after his active duty service, and was not otherwise related to service. The claim for hypertension was remanded due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure is being remanded as the previous VA examination and opinion are deemed inadequate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or coronary artery disease, and therefore denied the claim for secondary service connection.