Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and opinions regarding his right knee condition and hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cardiovascular disabilities, including dilated cardiomyopathy without ischemia, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, a heart murmur, and valvular insufficiency is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral eye disabilities, including cataracts and presbyopia, are not related to his in-service injuries or service-connected left eye corneal scarring. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The Court has now remanded the case back to the Board for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion on the possible nexus between military service and the Veteran's claimed hypertension.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The claims include service connection for various conditions and an initial rating for anxiety.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's knee, back, and hypertension disorders. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity to submit private evidence or authorize VA to obtain it.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and its relationship to his service-connected hypertension, as well as whether environmental hazards during his Gulf War service caused his sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for cataracts, hypertension, and arthritis as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to service.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of an unspecified respiratory condition, and the Veteran's statements regarding such a disability are not competent evidence. For sleep apnea, the VA examiner opined against a nexus to service based on lack of in-service treatment or diagnosis. For hypertension, the VA examiner also opined against a nexus to service based on lack of in-service treatment or diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are not related to active service or any incident of service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and cerebral aneurysm with resultant stroke, seizure disorder, and neurological and ophthalmologic complications are related to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 20 percent since July 2, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not show a level of severity corresponding to the next highest evaluation of 40 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a headache disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection. The hypertension issue remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and hypertension had their onset during his active service, and thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, hypertension, and a sweat gland disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, including hearing loss and tinnitus. The remaining issues are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.