Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical opinions and examinations to address the etiology of his hypertension and heart disability, as well as assessing the current severity of his left knee disability. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep condition, respiratory condition, and high blood pressure are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule him for examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including right shoulder disability, hypertension, heart disability (mitral valve prolapse), PTSD, TBI, lumbar strain, and need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to secure and follow any form of substantially gainful employment prior to May 13, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of more than noncompensable hearing impairment during the appeal period.,Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (DMII) and hypertension are not granted as these conditions did not manifest within one year after separation from active service, were not otherwise caused by active service, and do not have a link to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's stroke residuals are not service connected as they did not have their onset during active service, were not otherwise caused by active service, and are not proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disability.,Service connection for asbestosis is denied as there is no evidence of its occurrence in service or within an applicable presumptive period.,The claims to reopen the previously denied right knee and left knee disabilities were withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing, thus these issues are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD and hypertension are not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's intercostal neuralgia and hypertension are adequately compensated under applicable schedular rating criteria. The acquired psychiatric disorder is not service-connected.

The Veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss have not met the criteria for a compensable disability rating at any point on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a respiratory disorder, and the preponderance of evidence does not support service connection for any of his claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board found no direct evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to his military service, including herbicide exposure. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's hypertension is less likely caused by or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as it was granted in full prior to the promulgation of a decision. The low back disability is found to be related to service and service connection is granted.

The Board granted the Veteran a TDIU effective October 4, 2004. The Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no evidence of physician-directed restrictions on occupational and recreational activities.,Service connection for hypertension was also denied, with the examiner opining that the hypertension did not result from service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for hypertension or residuals of a left hand laceration as there was no evidence showing such conditions were incurred in or caused by his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not service connected, as there is no evidence of its onset during or within one year after service. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's hypertension and his exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its clinical onset in service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise related to active duty, including as a result of presumed herbicide exposure. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's residuals of cold injuries to the feet are related to his service. The Board has granted this claim.