Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The appellant has withdrawn her appeal for service connection for hypertension, and the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of PTSD, a chronic disability manifested by chest pain and heart pain, and frostbite of the hands. The remaining claims are dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and macular degeneration, finding that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2 and heart disease.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for coronary artery disease and essential hypertension with history of mild renal insufficiency is denied for the periods from March 27, 2009 to September 4, 2013, and from April 14, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and asthma due to incomplete medical opinions regarding preexisting conditions and aggravation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, traumatic brain injury, and allergic rhinitis. The disability ratings remain at their current levels.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is service-connected due to herbicide exposure, but his hypertension and hand numbness are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis in the left wrist, no manifestations of hypertension or diabetes to a degree of 10 percent within one year post-service, and insufficient continuity of symptoms since service for these conditions. The low back disability was not shown in service, did not manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year from separation, and is not otherwise related to service. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and heart condition claims were denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate addendum opinions and further development is required.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a combined effects medical opinion and consideration of all evidence of record.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection. The left knee disability, including instability and post-operative residuals, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating before January 29, 2013, from June 11, 2008 to March 1, 2014, or after March 1, 2014. The Veteran's PTSD met the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a seizure disorder, left knee disability, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD). The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic otitis media has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of decision. The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer with impotence are rated at 40 percent, effective from August 25, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA opinion regarding the cause of death and for issuance of a statement of the case concerning burial benefits.