Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a link between the Veteran's current Parkinson's disease, hypertension, and hyperglycemia with hyperlipidemia and his active service.,As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied the remaining issues due to lack of evidence linking them to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for low back strain prior to January 21, 2015, or in excess of 20 percent thereafter, nor for a neurologic disability of the left lower extremity associated with low back strain. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion on secondary service connection and addressing the Veteran's TDIU claim.

The Veteran's hypertension, which was rated as part of his service-connected diabetic nephropathy since November 29, 2016, has not been found to warrant a separate compensable rating prior to that date. The Board denied the claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disorders. The Veteran's hypertension was granted with a 10% rating.,Residual facial scars were also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion from a different examiner and ensure that it addresses any medical literature supporting causation of sleep apnea by hypertension, kidney disease, and/or diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct necessary examinations, and issue a statement of the case for certain service connection claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple myeloma, due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, is granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of the issues of nonservice-connected pension benefits and special monthly pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or on account of being housebound. The Board is dismissing these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for malaria residuals, diabetes mellitus type 2, and a heart disorder have been reopened. The evidence submitted is new and material to reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 has also been reopened with the submission of additional medical evidence linking his current condition to his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and cardiac conditions were not incurred during a period of active duty service or ADT, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), left knee disability, kidney disorder, and hypertension. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of hypertension, blood in the stool, hyperlipidemia, and degenerative joint disease of the left arm. The remaining issues are not addressed as they have been granted or dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection is granted.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, vertigo (dizziness), recurrent headaches due to head injuries, and hypertension. These conditions are all considered service-connected as they are deemed to have originated during his active duty.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, vertigo, recurrent headaches, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated during active service, including as a result of exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected right shoulder dislocation were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5202.