Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete action and needs to readjudicate the claims based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension is not entitled to a compensable rating, and his OSTSRD is rated at 30 percent prior to June 29, 2015, and 50 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the criteria for these ratings are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and heart disorder are at least as likely as not related to service, with hypertension being presumed due to Vietnam exposure. The heart disorder is considered a structural manifestation of the hypertension.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The examiner must also provide opinions on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's hypertension was caused by or aggravated by diabetes mellitus and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service, including his service-connected PTSD and/or in-service herbicide exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service or his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a kidney disorder and hypertension due to additional development being required.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current hypertension was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and grants service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, hypertension, tinnitus, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing his claims for service connection for hypertension and PTSD, as well as entitlement to a compensable rating for tinea cruris. The Veteran will have the opportunity to perfect his appeal by filing a substantive appeal if he wishes.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective prior to September 17, 2015. The claim for hypertension remains denied. Service connection for diabetes and a dental condition are not established. No new rating was granted.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the RO's severance of service connection was not valid due to procedural errors and lack of evidence establishing clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the Veteran's service, obtain VA and private treatment records, and provide medical opinions regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, sleep apnea, diabetic neuropathy/numbness of the feet, hypertension and GERD/acid reflux have all been denied as they are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hemolytic anemia, hypertension, and end stage renal disease has been denied. The Board found no evidence of hepatitis or G6PD deficiency during the period on appeal, and thus could not establish a nexus to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his active service or any presumptive exposure to herbicides. The claim was also not granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of vaccinations, to include a stroke, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus. The issues regarding lumbar disability, right knee disability, and evaluation for index finger fracture were also addressed but not specified in terms of disposition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension warrants a 10 percent rating, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to newly added VA treatment records, and the claim will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and its relationship to service-connected disabilities.