Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left shoulder, back, and hypertension disabilities are not service-connected as there is no evidence of chronicity since service or a link between current disability and service.

The case is being remanded for further development to address the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and skin disability, as well as any potential secondary service connection issues related to his PTSD and diabetes.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for hypertension, service connection for right and left foot disorders were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including anxiety disorder and Parkinson's disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with cor pulmonale is related to his military service, including exposure to toxins during his Gulf War service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request and other procedural issues.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The issues of hypertension (claimed as secondary to diabetes), sleep apnea, and degenerative joint disease of the knees are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy proximately caused or aggravated his hypertension. Therefore, service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular heart hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, and tuberculosis, require the regular aid and attendance of another person for assistance due to physical incapacity when caring for his daily personal needs. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred during any period of active duty, inactive duty for training, or National Guard service. The claim for secondary service connection to his service-connected disabilities (lumbar and cervical spine disorders and coronary artery disease) was also denied due to lack of evidence showing aggravation.

The Veteran's hypertension and heart disease claims are remanded for additional examination to determine if they are related to service, specifically herbicide exposure. The diabetes mellitus claim is also remanded for a VA examination to evaluate the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as non-compensable. The evidence does not support a history of diastolic pressure of 100 or more, which would be required for a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability.,VA awarded death pension benefits to the Appellant, as she met income and net worth requirements.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and hypertension, including opinions regarding potential service connection based on exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) or other theories.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been rated as noncompensable since April 1, 2009. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as the appeal is moot due to his death.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.