Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Veteran withdrew his claims of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not contribute to his death and there was no evidence of herbicide exposure. Therefore, service connection for cause of death was denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to service, including presumed in-service exposure to herbicides. The relationship with PTSD and diabetes mellitus will also be addressed.

The Veteran's hypertension and right ear hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied. Right ear hearing loss was not shown to be continuous since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Mancini and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain missing treatment records and SSA records, as well as attempt to determine the basis for the Veteran's Social Security Disability award. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the etiology of his COPD and pulmonary hypertension disabilities. The examiner will need to consider the Veteran's service exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and irritable bowel syndrome were not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not support a finding of direct causation.

The Board found that hypertension did not have its onset during active duty or ACDUTRA, and there was no evidence of aggravation beyond the natural progression. The Veteran's hypertension is considered to have existed prior to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression, are not service-connected. The Veteran's hypertension is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides during service, but there is no evidence of a diagnosis or treatment for hypertension in service. His acquired psychiatric disorder does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to military service. Service connection was denied on both direct and secondary bases.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are not severe enough to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his current employment status and any accommodations provided by his employer.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as his blood pressure readings were predominantly below 160/90 and he did not have a history of diastolic blood pressure of predominantly 100 mm. or more requiring continuous medication.

The Veteran's hypertension is caused by his service-connected diabetes with early nephropathy. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence indicates that the Veteran's diagnosed stomach condition and urinary disorder are related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal for initial evaluations and ratings on multiple conditions has been dismissed as the claims have all been withdrawn. The TDIU claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for an effective date prior to September 21, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a generalized anxiety disorder, started in service and is related to his military service. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his diabetes mellitus. The claim for secondary service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Veteran's heart disorder, hypertension, and thyroid removal residuals are being remanded for additional development as the Board finds that VA examinations are warranted to assess their etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension and coronary artery disease as secondary to hypertension have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for PTSD, service connection for migraines, and hypertension.