Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and/or chronic kidney disease. As a result, the criteria for secondary service connection have been met.

The Veteran's hypertension was denied as not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The issue of whether a compensable rating is warranted for his right scrotal hematoma with residuals of pain remains pending.

The Board found no evidence of sleep apnea or hypertension in service, and the VA examiners concluded that these conditions did not develop during service.,VA examiners also determined that there was insufficient evidence to link either condition to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and residuals of a left ring finger nerve injury as there was no evidence of an in-service event, injury, or disease related to these conditions.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability (hypertension) in service or within one year following separation, and the Veteran did not provide credible evidence linking his current condition to service. The Board also determined that hypertension was not proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus or CAD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the Veteran's periods of active duty and reserve service, as well as to obtain his January 16, 2003 service examination. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an evaluation of 10 percent or higher for his hypertension. For the other claims, the evidence does not support a finding that any of the claimed conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board hearing due to his inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Board videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service in the Republic of Vietnam and to obtain relevant medical records. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board finds that there is not sufficient evidence to establish exposure to Agent Orange or any other herbicide during his service. As a result, the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and an inadequate etiological opinion. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered after these issues are addressed.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service and is not related to his service-connected PTSD. The TDIU claim was denied as the Veteran's combined disability rating did not meet the minimum schedular criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, left hip disability, and right knee disability have all been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of service connection for hemorrhoids and hypertension.

The Board has requested an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's eye disability was aggravated by service-connected hypertension. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service or service-connected conditions, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran is granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus.,Diabetes mellitus type 2 is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Hypertension is found to be related to the service-connected diabetes mellitus. Tinnitus was incurred during active service.

The Veteran's hypertension, bilateral pes planus, scar above the right eyebrow, and allergic rhinitis were not found to warrant higher ratings. The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome with synovitis was also denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as his conditions are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated by active service. The Veteran's statements regarding exposure to herbicides do not meet the legal standard required for presumptive service connection.