Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for scleroderma and hypertension, attributing these conditions to herbicide exposure during service. The VA examiner opined that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's scleroderma and hypertension were related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and related conditions, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that these disabilities alone were sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need to obtain and associate with the claims file additional VA treatment records, Christian Hospital treatment records, and SSA disability benefits records. The claims will be returned for preparation of an addendum medical opinion regarding compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims was caused by his service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease. The case has been remanded to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded. The case is also remanded to consider whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. No action is required by the Veteran until further notice.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and is now granted.,Service connection for hypertension was granted effective August 22, 2005. The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date which the Board denied as VA has no authority to grant such a request under current law.,An initial noncompensable rating for hypertension is granted based on the evidence of record showing systolic pressure predominately 160 or more but not 200 or more, or diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more. The Veteran seeks a higher rating which will be addressed in the remand.,The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of record showing that his hearing loss began during service and he did not submit a claim until after separation from service.,Extraschedular consideration is granted for the Veteran's hypertension, but the issue will be addressed in the remand as it may impact other issues including TDIU.,TDIU is denied as there was no evidence of record showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hypertension and mouth/throat cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete opinions and need for updated medical assessments regarding secondary service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination for hypertension, which is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with this new evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated during service, and it is not related to his service-connected ischemic heart disease. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a VA videoconference hearing. The claims of service connection and rating are not addressed as they are in the process of being remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the remaining issues have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of those claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart disability, and hypertension are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while serving aboard the USS Jenkins, which may affect his claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that no evidence supported herbicide exposure or a service-connected disability contributing to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and ischemic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to outstanding medical records, a more recent examination, and additional development of his employment capacity.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and for further development, including a psychiatric opinion regarding service connection.