Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to April 7, 2010. The Board denied an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and needs further clarification of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder (to include asthma) is not service-connected, but her hypertension is found to be secondary to her service-connected bipolar disorder with alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital for his nonservice-connected cardiovascular disorder are now covered by VA, except for any copayment or deductible owed.

The Veteran's death was caused by an acute myocardial infarction, which is presumed service-connected due to his Vietnam-era service. The Veteran did not have a pending claim for a sleep disorder at the time of his death. His income exceeded the threshold for VA pension benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and ischemic heart disease, finding no evidence to support these conditions.,Specifically, there was no current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease in the Veteran's records.

The Board denied service connection for mitral valve prolapse, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus as the conditions were not shown to have been aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his hearing loss and sleep apnea disabilities.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II has worsened and he should be provided an opportunity to report for a VA examination.,The Veteran’s hypertension preexisted service and the Board finds that an additional VA examination is warranted to determine if there was an increase in severity during his service, and if yes, whether the increase in severity was clearly and unmistakably not due to the natural progress of the disorder.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral lower extremities are less likely as not related to his diabetes mellitus type II. An additional VA examination is warranted to determine the etiology of the Veteran’s peripheral neuropathy of his bilateral lower extremities.,At the April 2017 Travel Board hearing, the Veteran testified that he was unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities, including his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The claim for TDIU is remanded and will be inextricably intertwined with the claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for vertigo and tinnitus are remanded as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for a supplemental opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange).,The Veteran's deep vein thrombosis of the right lower extremity is remanded for a supplemental opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected diabetes.,The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain is remanded for a new VA examination to assess functional loss and range of motion.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension due to the lack of a current diagnosis meeting VA criteria. The right leg disorder claim is remanded as it requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including tinea cruris, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disability, and a cognitive disability. The issues have been returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further investigation and clarification of her incarceration status, as well as an audit of her pension account. Additionally, there is a need to ensure proper notification regarding her right to appeal the overpayment of $18,692.07 in pension benefits.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left foot amputation and service connection for end-stage renal disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression). The decision found that the Veteran's refusal to receive treatment was a significant factor in his condition.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD (including as secondary to the service-connected lumbar strain), service connection for hypertension, and service connection for loss of feeling and/or pain in the right leg (including as secondary to the service-connected lumbar strain).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are not service-connected. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether OSA is caused or aggravated by the service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, is granted. The reopened claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the cases due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and hypertension are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.