Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected due to acoustic trauma sustained in active service.,The Veteran's near continuous thirst is not considered a separate disability for compensation purposes and thus denied.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD with depression, mood disturbances, anger, and panic attacks and therefore not separately service-connected.,The Veteran's left arm disability remains in dispute and requires further examination and evidence.,The Veteran's sleep disability (specifically sleep apnea) is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology, including consideration of herbicide exposure during service.,The Veteran's prostate disability and left-hand skin disability are both remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiologies, including consideration of herbicide exposure during service.,reasoning_summary

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), transient ischemia attack (TIA), stroke, headaches, or PTSD. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and hypertension. Service connection is remanded for sleep apnea, which may be related to hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all granted. The issue of an evaluation greater than 50% for PTSD is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's death, which is related to his cardiovascular disabilities and exposure to engine fumes during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for hypertension due to service-connected diabetes mellitus and herbicide exposure. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension due to service-connected diabetes mellitus and herbicide exposure, requesting an addendum opinion from a VA clinician.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as due to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus.,The Board also denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the feet and toes as due to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective October 9, 2011. A TDIU was granted due to the combined effect of her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of right rotator cuff tendonitis and arthritis was dismissed. The Board also remanded several issues related to service connection, including left shoulder disorder, bilateral hip disorders, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), hypertension, and a left hand rash.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for hypertension was denied due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claims for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities were dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran’s claimed conditions, including sleep apnea, heart disability, hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and Parkinson's disease, all of which were presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board found that there was no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claims of in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, migraine headaches prior to September 22, 2014, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral dysfunction, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and conflicting medical opinions. The issues include labyrinthitis with vestibular dysfunction, lumbar strain with sacroiliac pain, right leg arterial insufficiency secondary to diabetes mellitus, hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea secondary to diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, and diabetic retinopathy secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and SMC have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The issues of retinopathy, ocular hypertension, and loss of sight are inextricably intertwined with the SMC claim.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for hypertension and hepatitis C have been denied as there is no evidence of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication for control. For hepatitis C, the Veteran's condition has been effectively treated and is asymptomatic.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension and depression. The claims are not currently decided on service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right hip disability, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder, and residuals of wart removal due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's OSA and hypertension are granted service connection. The Veteran's sinusitis is denied as not related to service, but his PFB and right thumb numbness are remanded for further evaluation.