Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for all issues on appeal, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not service connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and whether it is secondary to his service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and chronic kidney disease, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The hypertension manifested within one year of separation from service, while the chronic kidney disease was caused by the hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not begin during service and is not related to any in-service events or conditions, including his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, hypothyroidism, and vascular system disabilities. The claims are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for left knee disability, bilateral eye disability, and hypertension were dismissed due to the failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not preexist service and was not incurred or aggravated by service, or as due to his service-connected bilateral knee or ankle disabilities. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current hypertension is not service-connected on a direct basis, and thus denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's widow was granted aid and attendance benefits, effective September 30, 2010. The appellant is entitled to additional accrued benefits for the costs paid by her for her mother's last sickness and burial.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 20 percent since the initial grant of service connection, based on diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more.

The Veteran's hypertension and hypothyroidism are being remanded for additional examination to determine if they are related to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure. The case will also be reviewed to determine if diabetes mellitus has aggravated these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and hypothyroidism are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and prostate cancer. As a result, these matters are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for positive PPD reaction and atrial fibrillation have not been determined. The remaining issues, including urinating difficulties, are denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for additional examination and opinion to determine if it is related to service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The examiner must also consider the impact of any currently service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary and the case is being remanded for further development.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, low back disability, or hypertension. The Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.