Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, or due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's hypertension will be evaluated in relation to both these theories of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied in the March 1988, July 1988, and November 1989 rating decisions. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU was not raised again until October 28, 1997 when he submitted a statement indicating his work history was affected by hypertension. The Board granted an effective date of October 3, 1997 for the award of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's treatment from January 19, 2008 to January 22, 2008 was considered a continued medical emergency and the VA could not safely discharge or transfer him. The Veteran was transferred to VA inpatient rehabilitation on January 22, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 2, 2004 for the award of SMC based on aid and attendance was denied as there was no earlier ascertainable increase in disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral eye disability (temporary blindness) related to service, and his other claimed disabilities are either not supported by evidence of record or do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all claims.

The Veteran's significant service-connected disabilities, including major depression, prostate carcinoma, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, necessitate regular aid and attendance from another person. The Board has determined that these conditions meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's current hypertension was incurred in service and the Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of tinea versicolor, condyloma, and a heart disability to include AV block with abnormal EKG which is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of service personnel records and further investigation into the Veteran's claimed chemical exposure during service.

The Veteran's hypertension, a chronic disease, was manifested to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet, hypertension, and an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD. The claim for alcoholism due to an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic cough/bronchitis, heart disorder, and hypertension have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. Service connection has been granted with an initial rating of 10%.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and a back condition. The Veteran now has diagnosed conditions that are related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular percentage requirements for a total rating, and thus did not warrant an extraschedular TDIU. The Veteran was previously employed but lost his job due to taking prescribed medication for pain related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to new evidence and contentions. An addendum opinion will be requested from the April 2016 VA examiner to address whether his sleep apnea is related to in-service low potassium levels, jaw fracture, broken nose, swollen glands from colds, or stomach ulcers. The claim will also consider whether service-connected hypertension may have aggravated his sleep apnea.

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not warrant higher evaluations based on the provided evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings on several conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss, osteoarthritis of the ankles or knees, hypertension, or gastritis for VA benefits purposes. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral visual impairment with SMC, and hypertension have been denied. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent disabling for bilateral flat feet with plantar fasciitis has also been denied.

The Board has determined that hypertension was not incurred during service, is not related to service-connected diabetes mellitus, and is not otherwise related to Agent Orange exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.