Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for hypertension and a skin condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Veteran's sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea) and hypertension are found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially related to any of his service-connected conditions, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as increased ratings for lower extremity peripheral neuropathies were granted. Service connection was established for PTSD based on in-service stressors verified by evidence of record. The Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathies are all found to be related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional evidentiary development, including a VA SMP aid and attendance/housebound examination. The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound will be assessed based on his current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an addendum VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his hypertension.

The Board has restored service connection for hypertension and granted a 10% rating, effective from the date of severance. The Veteran's right shoulder condition is found to be related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly more than 100 and systolic pressure predominantly less than 160, requiring continuous medication for control. The Board has granted a 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of non-VA medical expenses incurred from August 16, 2013, through August 18, 2013 is granted as the services were provided in an emergency department and no VA facility was feasibly available.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for respiratory cancer, hypertension, synovial and clear cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses, and rash/burns around the eyes. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion from the VA psychiatrist regarding whether sleep apnea and hypertension are aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a medical examination to address whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has ordered the appellant to be scheduled for a VA aid and attendance or housebound examination. The claim is being remanded due to the cancellation of her appointment.

The Board granted service connection for DVT and found that the Veteran's left knee disability warranted a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 5259. The Veteran's hypertension appeal was withdrawn prior to decision, and his TDIU claim is pending in the REMAND portion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion from a rheumatologist and readjudicating the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, PTSD, headaches, hypertension, and an enlarged prostate were denied. The Board found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for a back disorder. Service connection was also denied for hypertension and an enlarged prostate as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's diabetes was not incurred in or is otherwise related to his period of active service.,Cold weather injury residuals, arthritis, gout, hypertension, an eye disorder (ultraviolet keratitis), a gastrointestinal disorder (colitis), an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), vertigo, and a kidney disorder are not shown to be related to his period of active service.