Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's GERD symptoms have been minimal, with occasional bloating and belching. He is currently receiving treatment for his condition.,His PFB has not caused deep acne on the face or neck, as he only experiences superficial bumps that do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's headaches are not manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months, and thus do not warrant a compensable disability rating.,The Veteran's hypertension is not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, and thus does not warrant an increased disability rating beyond 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension may have been caused or aggravated by his in-service exposure to herbicides. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining this information.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected diabetes or PTSD. Therefore, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and entitlement to TDIU. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further consideration.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease of both lower extremities, sinus disorder (allergic rhinitis), asthma, arthritis, intestinal tumors, GERD, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetic neuropathy in all four extremities, migraine headaches, and disability manifested by night sweats are not service connected due to lack of evidence supporting their onset or etiology related to military service.,The Veteran's skin disorders (claimed as acne and skin growths) are service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for addendum opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional development, including obtaining an audiogram and further medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II has been withdrawn.,Service connection is denied for peripheral neuropathy of the left leg and foot due to lack of current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing VA and military records, scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his diagnosed conditions, and providing him with an opportunity to respond.

The Veteran's hypertension, cerebrovascular accident (including residuals) associated with hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss are all service-connected. The Veteran is currently rated at 20% for his lumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's hypertension did not result in diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, and therefore the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus are not the proximate cause of or aggravated his hypertension. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety is not related to her service. Her hypertension was also not shown to be caused by or aggravated by her service. The Board denied both claims.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for increased rating of the thoracolumbar spine disability, including myofascial syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative joint disease, is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis for the entirety of the appeal period. The claim for increased rating in excess of 10 percent is denied as there are no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to IVDS.

The Board has determined that hypertension is as likely as not due to the service-connected diabetes, and thus grants service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues being granted and others denied. The grant includes the reopening of a claim for glaucoma and an earlier effective date for cardiovascular disease. Other claims remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue, as well as his increased disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's heart condition, to include hypertension, is not related to his military service and was not incurred due to herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection.