Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence of these conditions during his military service or within one year after discharge. The Board also found that diabetes mellitus did not cause or aggravate either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her hypertension, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and low back disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking it to his service-connected PTSD. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise regarding a finding that current hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, dysthymic disorder, and panic disorder) were caused or aggravated by service-connected diabetes. As such, the claims are granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for mechanical low back pain with facet arthropathy at L5-S1 was denied, but the Board granted a higher 40 percent rating effective October 18, 2012. The TDIU issue is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and active service or secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to aggravation by service-connected disabilities, specifically respiratory and orthopedic conditions. The issue of an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for reactive airway disease is held in abeyance.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine whether his conditions began in or are related to service, and provide a complete rationale for any opinions given.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination for his hepatitis C and hypertension, as well as to obtain a nexus opinion regarding the relationship between his hypertension and service-connected PTSD. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will be reconsidered by the RO.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling him for examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities and whether any new or existing disorders are related to his diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected conditions have been denied. The current ratings of 10 percent are maintained.

The Board has remanded the claim for a higher initial rating for hypertension due to new evidence and to ensure all records are obtained. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity to provide additional information and/or evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing documents and a need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of hypertension, including whether it is related to service-connected COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hypertension was not service-connected, and his initial rating for coronary artery disease prior to May 2, 2011 was denied. However, he received a 30% rating for coronary artery disease since that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to coronary artery disease was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is granted for tinea versicolor, periodontal disease, and some other conditions. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's claims for hypertension as a qualifying chronic disability under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.