Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II with hypertension and erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that his diabetes required regulation of activities to manage it.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his psychiatric conditions did not cause or contribute to his death, including from prescribed medications.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain employment as of October 1, 2002. The Board grants an effective date of October 1, 2002 for the award of TDIU.

The Veteran's left hand dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure.,Service connection for hypertension is pending as the issue remains unclear.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to May 31, 2011, for the award of dependent compensation for his spouse and child. The decision stated that VA did not receive evidence within a year of either event or become aware of their existence before May 31, 2011.

The Board found that the evidence does not support service connection for hypertension, as it was not incurred or aggravated during active duty service. The claim is denied.

The Board dismissed all pending appeals due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and migraine headaches have been rated as noncompensable, with no compensable rating for the service-connected bilateral ocular hypertension. The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's cause of death is found to be related to his service-connected hypertension, which was a contributing factor in his untimely passing. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including examinations and opinions regarding his hypertension, breathing disorder, skin disorder, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service, except for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure. The Board also determined that hypertension is not secondary to service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period, and service connection for allergic or vasomotor rhinitis is granted. The Veteran's left knee instability claim remains pending as a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including insomnia and depression, is related to his service-connected degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.,Service connection for elevated liver enzymes (claimed as idiopathic liver disease) was not granted due to lack of a current diagnosis and no evidence linking the condition to service.,The Veteran's hypertension was found to be manifested by blood pressure readings of 150 systolic and 95 diastolic, which do not meet criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.,For pseudofolliculitis barbae with facial scars, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 50% evaluation as there was no visible or palpable tissue loss and asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and granted it, based on evidence showing a relationship between his current condition and elevated blood pressure readings during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not establish a nexus between the Veteran's hypertension or sleep apnea and his service-connected diabetes.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right knee, foot, hip, shoulder, sleep disorder, asthma, and hypertension. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing a direct link between the claimed conditions and his military service.