Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance for his service-connected disabilities, including right knee injury, chondromalacia of the left knee, and lumbar spine disability, was granted effective May 14, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability aggravated his pre-existing condition, leading to current severity of the right knee disability. The Board also found that there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that obesity may have contributed to the development of hypertension due to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Board found no service connection for the Veteran's chronic cardiac disorder or hypertension due to lack of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's asthma with COPD is rated at 100 percent effective February 11, 2013. Sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected asthma and COPD. Erectile dysfunction is not found to be related to or aggravated by the service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension. The Board has dismissed this appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension was evaluated based on the criteria for hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension). The Board found that his diastolic pressure did not predominantly reach or exceed 100, nor did his systolic pressure predominantly reach or exceed 160. Therefore, a compensable disability rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear intentions regarding the issues of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being housebound, and a total disability rating for a single disability and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for hypertension, and there is no evidence of an in-service event or injury related to this condition. The VA examiner found no direct relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claimed conditions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for anemia, atrial fibrillation/bradycardia, and hypertension that are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or coronary artery disease. The Board has ordered a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, COPD and hypertension are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for service connection are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of an injury to the index and middle fingers of the right hand is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year thereafter, and the weight of clinical evidence does not support a link between his current condition and service.,The Veteran's claim for hypertension is denied as there was no diagnosis of hypertension during service or within one year after discharge, and the weight of clinical evidence does not support a link between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is entitled to separate compensable ratings for hypertension and diabetic kidney disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obesity, including fluctuating weight, and hypertension as secondary to PTSD have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is related to service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is chronically aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for GERD. The issue of hypertension remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service, and there is no evidence of a chronic disease during service. The Board finds that the current diagnosis of hypertension does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The Board denied service connection for the claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service herbicide exposure or other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for a head injury, lymphomas/lymph node enlargement, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia/high cholesterol, dermatitis, hypertension, and bronchitis.

The Board has reopened the claims for sleep apnea and hypertension, but service connection is not granted as the examiner did not address whether PTSD aggravates sleep apnea. The claim for an enlarged heart remains moot due to the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease.