Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's hypertension, which is controlled by medication and manifested by diastolic pressure of less than 100 and systolic pressure less than 160, does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for the period from March 22, 2011.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, CAD and hypertension were all found to be related to his service.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, as well as his assertions regarding the etiology of his hearing loss and headaches. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for lower urinary tract symptoms, hemorrhoids, and athlete's foot. The Veteran's LUTS was incurred in service, his hemorrhoids were incurred in service, and his athlete's foot disability is aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, COPD, and CAD. The evidence did not establish direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension was not demonstrated in service or within one year of separation, and the only competent evidence on the question of a medical nexus between current hypertension and service weighs against the claim.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his hypertension and heart disability were not found to meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection, respectively.

The Board is remanding the claims of hypertension, low back disability, and hernia for additional development. The cause of death issue will be deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes. The Board finds that the evidence of record does not demonstrate a current disability of bilateral hearing loss during the current appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations for hypertension and knee disabilities.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against finding a current disability related to low back strain incurred in service. The Veteran's hypertension claim has not been addressed due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication for control, but his systolic pressure has been predominantly less than 160 and diastolic pressure has been predominantly less than 100. The Board found that the criteria for a compensable rating were not met due to insufficient evidence of predominant readings at those levels.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claims for kidney disorder, hypertension, and gout. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his active service or presumed herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions to address whether the Veteran's hypertension and macular degeneration are related to service or any verified periods of active duty. The AOJ is also instructed to verify any periods of ACDUTRA in the Army National Guard.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's claimed conditions have not been linked to service, and the Board finds that these claims are denied.

The Veteran's current hypertension disability is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. For the initial rating period from October 25, 2006 to February 19, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was rated at 50% due to significant social and occupational impairment. Since February 19, 2010, the disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and was not exposed to herbicides, thus denying service connection for his right eye disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during service and is not related to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed photophobia began in service and has persisted since then. The issue of service connection for hypertension is dismissed as the Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal.