Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The diabetes mellitus rating remains at 40 percent, and hypertension is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his blood pressure readings do not consistently show diastolic pressure of predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure of 160 or more, or require continuous medication.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines, arthralgia of the right knee, peripheral artery disease, and hypertension have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim to reopen the hypertension was not successful, while the other issues remained unresolved.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service. As such, the criteria for service connection are met.