Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's stroke residuals and hypertension were not incurred in or caused by his active service, including exposure to herbicide agents. The Board denied the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure that all relevant records are associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's hypertension is caused by his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was granted, with a rating of 50% effective from February 27, 2012.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of PTSD, and thus the claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be established. The Veteran's hypertension was denied as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities are found to be secondary to his service-connected renal failure and diabetes, respectively. Service connection for anemia is granted with a 100% rating effective July 20, 2011, and the cause of death is also granted effective January 1, 2012.

The Veteran's death was related to his service-connected conditions, but the appeal is being remanded for further consideration of his pending claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for bilateral pes planus, hypertension, heart disorder, respiratory disorder, sinus disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence showing the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service, while serving in Panama or elsewhere. There are also no chronic symptoms of hypertension during service, no continuing symptomatology since service, and no diagnosis of hypertension within the first post-service year. The medical evidence indicates that there is no nexus between the Veteran's hypertension and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his hypertension, and therefore grants service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and his peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was not incurred in or caused by active military service. His skin disability, hypertension, and sleep apnea were also not supported by evidence showing they were related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for kidney cancer and hypertension, which are not presumed to be related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and PTSD due to outstanding records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown during service or within one year of separation, and the Board finds that it is not related to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for coronary artery disease (CAD), finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claim for TDIU prior to June 11, 2012, was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The issue of hypertension remains pending as it requires further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA medical opinions regarding hypertension and herpes. The Veteran's claims of right knee disorder, left knee disorder, hypertension, and herpes are currently under review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need to verify herbicide exposure in Korea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service-connected, as there is no evidence showing a direct relationship to his military service or any service-connected conditions.