Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia, a gynecological disorder, hypertension, and anemia due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions during her active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, increased ratings for various disabilities, and entitlement to automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which contributed to the myocardial infarction and high blood pressure that led to his cardiac arrest. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, Type II, is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim for labile blood pressure/hypertension was reopened and remains pending.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected conditions and his hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and hypertension did not manifest during active service or within one year of discharge, and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Regarding ulcerative colitis, the Veteran was diagnosed with this condition prior to his second period of active duty. The Board finds that while he had a history of ulcerative colitis before service, there is insufficient evidence to establish whether it was aggravated by service or if any current manifestations are related to service.

The Veteran's nephrolithiasis has been rated at 30 percent since October 25, 2005. The Board finds that the Veteran met the schedular criteria for consideration of TDIU from October 25, 2005 to February 8, 2006, and from September 1, 2006 to July 21, 2011, and from September 30, 2011 to August 29, 2012. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in unemployability during these periods.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including another VA examination to address the etiology of his hypertension and current low back and right hand disabilities. The AOJ will also schedule a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected pneumothorax has been rated at 10 percent, and his hypertension has not required a compensable rating. Both conditions have remained stable throughout the appeal period.,Further evaluation of these conditions is needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, strokes, diabetic cystopathy (claimed as bladder dysfunction), peripheral vascular disease, and depression have not been decided.,Service connection has also been denied for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeals on several issues have been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative requested to withdraw these claims.

The Veteran's hypertension was not diagnosed during service or within one year of service, and there is no evidence linking the current condition to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral artery disease, respiratory disorder, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension were denied. The reduction in rating for prostate cancer was upheld.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, bilateral foot disability, and hypertension on a direct basis. The current decision addresses secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension was first manifested during his active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service, including as a result of herbicide exposure, and is not proximately caused by or aggravated by his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus. As such, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension. However, the case is remanded as new evidence submitted since November 2006 does not provide a clear and unmistakable error in severing service connection for this condition. The VA examiner must consider all medical evidence including proteinuria episodes and provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's kidney disorders are related to her service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.