Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral vitreous floaters. The Veteran's current condition is found to have originated during his active military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than 10 percent, as his blood pressure readings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy and cataracts in both eyes is currently rated at 20 percent. A separate 20 percent rating has been granted for the visual impairment associated with the diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence added to the record and because statements of the case have not been issued for the diabetes and left knee disability claims. The hypertension claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need to consider additional medical records and provide an updated opinion regarding the Veteran's heart condition.

The Veteran's hypertension and tension headaches have been rated appropriately, but his left shoulder tendonitis and left hip strain do not warrant higher initial ratings. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection of bilateral hearing loss or a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bone spurs of both feet and hypertension, as well as his TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis, asthma, hypertension, and OSA as secondary to sarcoidosis. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or association with any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition, manifested by major depression with anxiety, is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for hypertension will be remanded as it may be related to exposure to herbicides during service in Southwest Asia. The TDIU claim will also be remanded due to the grant of service connection for a psychiatric disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other chemicals during service. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for further medical development.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at a 10% disability rating from January 7, 2009 to January 16, 2015. Prior to this period and after this period, the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence showing it was incurred during her periods of active duty or within one post-service year. The Board also found that hypertension is not related to any period of ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of adequate responses in the VA physician's report regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not related to his active service or presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a new VA examination and review of medical records, as well as to address the conflicting opinions regarding the relationship between hypertension and service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disorder other than hypertension, and thus service connection for such is denied. The claim for sleep apnea remains pending as additional evidence and examination are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an eye disability, hypertension, and ear infections. New evidence supports these claims.,However, obesity is not considered a compensable condition under VA guidelines.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, including whether it is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed condition for the claimed disorders, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension with left hydronephrosis and erectile dysfunction, did not render him unemployable prior to August 13, 2013. The Board denied a TDIU for the period prior to this date.