Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left great toe amputation is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. His heart disease (claimed as congestive heart failure) and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities are granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Erectile dysfunction is also granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted an increased rating to 40 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension is granted on a presumptive basis due to his service-connected herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's low back condition is related to in-service back trauma and has been granted service connection.,The Veteran's neck, sleep apnea, arthritis of upper extremities, gastrointestinal condition (hiatal hernia and acid reflux), left knee, right knee, left ankle, hypertension, and skin condition have not yet been determined due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities necessitate the aid and attendance of another person to assist with some activities of daily living and protect him from ordinary hazards. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete information about the appellant's active duty periods.

The claims for aid and attendance, left shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, hypertension, cervical myofascial pain syndrome/right trapezius myositis, migraine headaches, unspecified depressive disorder, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for various conditions secondary to PTSD with depressive disorder. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings and additional examinations.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and disability ratings related to squamous cell carcinoma, hypertension with renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, back disorder, GERD, hypertension, right knee disability, and pes planus. The appeals are pending as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection as there was no timely substantive appeal filed within 60 days of the August 2014 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various eye conditions, pulmonary disability, circulatory problems, and hypertension have been denied as the evidence does not support a link to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension was not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. Therefore, the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101 were not met.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver, and thyroid disorder due to a lack of VA examinations and outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a typographical error in the description of the claims on appeal and because the Veteran identified relevant outstanding private treatment records. The VA will request these records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess current disability levels and etiology.

The appeals have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's right hip bursitis is granted as service-connected.,A 10 percent rating for thoracolumbar spondylosis is granted.,A 10 percent rating for hypertension is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sarcoidosis, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including depression and/or bipolar disorder) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have an applicable period of service during which he could be granted service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hand disability and hypertension are not service connected. The rating for his bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted at 50% from February 17, 2015, but denied prior to that date and in excess of 50% thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left foot disability, HTN, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD due to the need for additional development of evidence.