Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling him for a VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly death pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, as her medical evidence shows she is able to care for herself without assistance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened, but the Board finds that new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The claims for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of both hands have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD likely aggravates his hypertension, and thus grants service connection for hypertension as aggravated by PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed left knee disability, and his service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's tinea pedis is rated appropriately, as are his hearing loss and CTS. His acquired psychiatric disorder, right ankle condition, and head injury with headaches and myofascial pain syndrome do not warrant increased ratings. Finally, the Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including dementia due to diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, cataracts, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, hearing loss, residuals of a deviated nasal septum (withdrawn), left ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board is also remanding the claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his exposure to toxic herbicides and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction. The evidence does not support a finding that either condition is related to service or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 60 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability pension based on service-connected disabilities. The evidence shows that his disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 5, 2013 were rated at a combined 90 percent. Considering the totality of his service-connected conditions and their impact on his ability to work, these disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including the adjudication of service connection claims for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a cardiac condition, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and sleep apnea. The RO will also provide the Veteran with VA examinations and opinions in connection with his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of left ear hearing loss was also addressed, but as this case involves a remand due to additional development being needed, it remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation benefits for his spouse was denied as the RO was notified of his marriage to his current wife on July 22, 2010, which is when he submitted a VA Form 21-686c. The earliest effective date that can be assigned is August 1, 2010.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been incurred during active duty. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam and grants service connection for ischemic heart disease as a result of such exposure.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, heart disease, and hepatitis C due to new and material evidence. However, no specific rating or effective date is assigned as these issues are still under review.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for a right knee condition, sleep apnea, a low back condition, a bilateral eye condition, hypertension, and sinusitis/allergies have been granted. The remaining claim of service connection for a left knee condition is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination and need for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between hypertension and service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's claim is also being reviewed in light of a recent NAS Institute of Medicine report on Agent Orange exposure and hypertension.

The Board has found new and material evidence for the claims of service connection for a low back disability, kidney disability, headaches, and hypertension. The Veteran's current disabilities are not due to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service is presumed. The claims for skin cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are remanded for additional development.