Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and ocular hypertension were not incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, a right hand disability, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected cardiovascular disease is found to be aggravated by his claimed hypertension, warranting service connection for the latter.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board found that there is no evidence showing a direct connection between the appellant's hypertension and Bell's palsy to his active duty service, including periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, conduct VA examinations, and ensure all development actions have been completed.

The Veteran's service connection for a gynecological condition, hypertension, and tinea pedis has been granted. The initial ratings for hypertension (10%) and tinea pedis (10%) have also been assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, necessitating special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to September 1, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a Statement of the Case on his service connection claims and verifying herbicide exposure. If verified, he will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current asthma disability is related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder or hypertension, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence in support of service connection for the claimed conditions, including a back disability, lung disability, hypertension, right inguinal or umbilical hernia, and residuals of blows to the skull. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the remaining issues prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to lack of new and material evidence, as well as the absence of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities, bilateral tinnitus, hypertension, neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hearing loss, have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, post-operative residuals of a right inguinal hernia, and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee were denied as the preponderance of evidence did not support service connection or entitlement to increased ratings.

The Veteran's lung disorder and hypertension were not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his obesity, which he claims is related to PTSD, caused or aggravated his hypertension. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for hypertension, and denied the Veteran's claim. For his right knee limitation of extension issue, the Board determined there was no current disability since May 23, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.