Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development regarding exposure to Agent Orange and treatment records from San Diego Naval Hospital.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is caused by service-connected PTSD, thoracolumbar strain, patellofemoral syndrome with crepitus of the knees, and right ankle strain, and thus grants service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service, including his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in the Army National Guard. The evidence did not show a link between his military service and his current diagnosis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, a kidney disorder, and anemia. The preponderance of evidence does not show these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board granted service connection for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's morbid obesity was not considered in the decision.

The Board has determined that the July 2009 rating decision is not final with respect to the hypertension claim due to newly associated service treatment records. The Veteran's claims for bilateral flat feet and multiple sclerosis are remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's IHD is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus type II. The decision found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied entitlement to DIC on the basis of service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic renal failure, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding the issue of aggravation of the Veteran's hypertension by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claims for tinnitus and hypertension are granted. Claims for aortic valve disorder and aortic aneurysm remain pending as their service connection status is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for status post left fourth finger fracture with open reduction internal fixation has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased ratings for back, neck, cubital tunnel syndrome, hypertension, and migraine headaches are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral knee conditions (left and right), left ankle condition, and hypertension are all service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have not been met.,The Veteran has established service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, but it does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU due to his other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, finding it is at least as likely as not related to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection was denied for hypertension due to lack of evidence linking it to service or any other compensable condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for SMC purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and dermatitis of the neck and anterior axillae. The claim for chronic cough was granted but not linked to service. Service connection for PTSD was established with a current rating of 70%. The issue of TDIU is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his period of service, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a liver transplant and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and his active service.