Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, and COPD are being remanded for further examination to determine their etiology. The appeal is based on presumed exposure to herbicides in the Pinal Mountains near Globe, Arizona.

The case is being remanded for further development, including consideration of recent VA treatment records and a review of the validity of home blood pressure readings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders, sleep disorder, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining inpatient treatment records from his claimed 1960 nervous breakdown.

The Board's decision was vacated by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and thus the motion to revise or reverse is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg disorder other than a left knee disorder, hypertension, and low back disability. The evidence does not support finding these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board's decision was vacated by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and thus the motion to revise or reverse is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, bilateral leg disability related to active duty complaints of cramps and pain, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of left thumb fracture with osteoarthritic changes was granted.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection, but a noncompensable rating is assigned due to lack of evidence showing blood pressure readings meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for bilateral foot disability was also granted. The examiner found no current or chronic condition other than calluses on toes.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and pancreatitis, as well as the Veteran's claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the issues of service connection for hypertension and a left arm/elbow disability have been granted in full with the issuance of a February 2017 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected hypertension with headaches has been denied as the evidence does not show diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more, which is required for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, and left knee disability are not service connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of in-service treatment or manifestations within one year post-service. The Board also found insufficient medical opinion to link current symptoms to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining relevant personnel records. The issues are whether the Veteran can establish service connection for hypertension and kidney disease, with kidney failure as secondary to hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board finds that the Veteran has satisfied the requirements for presumptive service connection for hypertension, and service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and psoriasis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, arranging for examinations, and determining if there is a relationship between his conditions and active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a higher rating, and service connection for hypertension is also granted as secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's kidney disorder is due to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, COPD, and headache disorder are not service-connected as they did not develop during his military service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain VA treatment records, arrange for appropriate medical opinions and examinations, and otherwise ensure a complete record before proceeding with the adjudication of the Veteran's claims.