Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a heart disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 15, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is denied, while her service connection claim for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected right fibula fracture postoperative, with 1st degree pes planus. The Board finds that the Veteran has a depressive disorder that is secondary to his service-connected right fibula fracture postoperative.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease and hypertension to allow for additional development, including consideration of new VA examination reports.

The Veteran's hypertension and GERD are as least as likely as not permanently aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset during her military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, hypertension, and fibromyalgia were denied. The Veteran was granted an initial compensable rating (level I) for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found no in-service injury or disease related to the claimed back and left elbow disabilities, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for hypertension, denied service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to service-connected disabilities, and denied service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension, which was first diagnosed in August 2009 and has been well-controlled with medication since then, does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to May 5, 2015. Since May 5, 2015, his blood pressure readings have consistently been within the range that warrants a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicides caused his hypertension and stroke, which contributed substantially or materially to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues being inextricably intertwined with increased rating claims and a TDIU claim. The Veteran is required to complete VA Form 21-8940 for his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for reopening her hypertension and drug reaction compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant medical records.

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

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been rated at 40 percent since September 29, 2015. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities meeting the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and proliferative diabetic bilateral retinopathy remain on appeal. The case is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development.