Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation has been reopened due to new evidence. However, the claims remain denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other conditions that would warrant presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence or lack of a nexus opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service, including exposure to hazardous chemicals.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's exposure to non-ionizing radiation from radar equipment, and for a VA examination to determine if his disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and granted service connection for hypertension. Service connection was remanded for COPD and diabetes mellitus/ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examination regarding psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings of special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) and/or 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct, but the cause of death (cardiac arrest) is related to his service-connected conditions. The Board finds that a medical opinion is needed to determine if PTSD caused or aggravated alcoholism/alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as his hypertension, were denied. The Veteran was granted a 100% disability rating for asthma with COPD and OSA effective September 4, 1998.,The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to August 3, 2015 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of an earlier effective date for the award of a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed. The Board denied a higher rating for hypertension, but remanded the issues of increased ratings for bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the TDIU and the granted rating for hypertension. The claims for service connection, initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for various conditions, and other issues are dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, right shoulder disability, and hypertension.,There is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions that can be linked to service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and liver condition, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or secondary to diabetes. The effective dates for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were granted as December 8, 2008.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the right knee disorder, left knee disorder and hypertension.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for hypertension/angina, prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus due to new and material evidence. However, these claims are still being remanded as there is conflicting information on whether the Veteran set boots on the ground in Vietnam.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for Parkinson’s disease and diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure in service is denied.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure in service is denied.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to ischemic heart disease is denied.,Bilateral knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and residuals of spider bite on the right hand are remanded for further examination and opinion.,Service connection for skin condition is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and hypertension, both found to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The appeal of the service connection claim for a brain abscess is dismissed.,The appeal of the increased rating claim for tinnitus is dismissed.,New and material evidence has been presented, and the claims of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disorder are reopened.,New and material evidence has been presented, and the claims of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C are reopened.,A rating of 40 percent for a seizure disorder is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,The appeal of the service connection claim for fatigue disorder is remanded.,The appeal of the service connection claim for liver disorder is remanded.,The appeal of the service connection claim for digestive disorder is remanded.,The appeal of the service connection claim for hypertension is remanded.

The Board has granted reopening of the claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep/respiratory disability (sleep apnea), and kidney disease. However, diabetes mellitus and tinnitus were not found to be related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the left ear and denied service connection for tuberculosis, hypertension, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The decision on hearing loss is based on conceded in-service noise exposure and positive VA nexus opinion.