Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for further development, including consideration of new evidence and a VA examination. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this additional review.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and it is not shown to be related to service or proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the March 2015 remand instructions and thus, another remand is required to obtain complete copies of the Veteran's personnel records and verify all periods of service. Additionally, a supplemental opinion is needed for both the low back disorder and hypertension issues.

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.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has scheduled the Veteran for a travel board hearing, but the Veteran requested an in-person hearing. The case is being remanded to accommodate this request.

The Board has not determined the merits of any service connection claims as they are pending before it. The Veteran's claims for residuals of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, sinus disorder, and tinnitus have been reopened due to new evidence received since their last denial in 2010. However, the Board has not found any service connection as they are not supported by competent medical evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current heart disability or hypertension, and thus service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by his exposure to herbicide agents during service, and if so, whether it is related to his period of active service. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining this information.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is presumed to be related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hypertension is being considered for service connection, but the Board has requested additional clarification on whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service, including exposure to herbicides and secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The weight of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of these actions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for hypertension and service connection for low back disorder. The preponderance of evidence shows that his hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, while his low back disorder is not currently diagnosed.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are found to be the primary causes of his diagnosed depressive disorder with anxious distress features. The Board grants service connection for this acquired psychiatric disability on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claimed hypertension, skin disorder (rash of the feet, hands, and face), and Bell's palsy were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his time in active duty.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus are currently rated at the lowest possible levels, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of specific criteria being met.