Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for hypertension, generalized anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder. As a result, the Board does not have appellate jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for service connection for hypertension and asthma. The Veteran's hypertension was not present during active service or within one year thereafter, and there is no medical opinion linking his current condition to military service. For asthma, while a diagnosis existed prior to service, the VA examiner concluded that it did not clearly and unmistakably exist prior to service and is less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been rated at 20 percent since August 19, 1994. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of regulation of activities required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913. As such, an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, sleep apnea, and lower back disability are related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a gastrointestinal disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to her active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has ordered additional development to address whether the Veteran's cardiomegaly was aggravated by his atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The case will be returned for further review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and gout, as the submitted evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Veteran's hypertension and left shoulder adhesive capsulitis are found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and the Board has granted service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to requests for a copy of the claims file, an updated copy of the claims file, and a DRO hearing. The appellant's representative also requested a rescheduling of the Board hearing.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction, which he claims are related to his diabetes mellitus and/or in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Board has determined that additional development is needed.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to service, including potential herbicide exposure. Service connection for the condition will be considered on both a direct basis (as not incurred in service) and secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's sinusitis has been rated at 30 percent since December 8, 2006. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from December 8, 2006, based on the combined impact of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disorder, heart disorder and hypertension, prostate disorder, and thyroid disorder, were not related to his active service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between any of these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hypertension did not have its onset during service or due to a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, spine disorder, left leg and foot disorder (to include as secondary to a spine disorder), intestinal blockage, hypertension, thyroid disorder, nerve damage of the bilateral hands, and nerve damage of the right leg were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's hypertension with ischemic heart disease and nephrosclerosis is rated at 60 percent effective July 29, 2013. The issues of increased ratings for both conditions are addressed.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for any of the claimed conditions and finds that service connection cannot be established as the Veteran did not have a disease or injury in service that caused or aggravated these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.