Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids, the propriety of reducing his bronchitis disability rating from 30 percent to noncompensable, and service connection for hypertension have all been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary regarding the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, specifically due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including hypertension and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, need further evaluation due to the length of time since his last examinations and complaints of worsening symptoms. The VA is required to obtain records from his private primary care physician.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the identification of new claims. The initial compensable rating for service-connected spot on right lung due to asbestos exposure requires further evaluation, and other issues related to heart disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, stomach disorder, spine and knee problems, and COPD are also raised.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, hypertension, hepatitis C, and a residual kidney disability as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions in the record.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disability and hypertension due to exposure to herbicides. The VA examiner will need to review the Veteran's STRs, current treatment records, and provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues. The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted service connection with an effective date of May 27, 2014. Service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of frostbite of the bilateral feet is granted, and he receives a compensable rating (10%) for hypertension beginning July 6, 2011. The effective date for his earlier service connection for bilateral loss of use of lower extremities is set at August 22, 2011, based on his fall incident. He also receives an effective date of August 22, 2011, for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to the need for assistance with activities of daily living.,The Veteran's service connection for residuals of frostbite is granted as he provided credible testimony about experiencing cold injury symptoms during service. His hypertension is rated at 10% effective July 6, 2011, based on his history and current treatment needs. The earlier effective dates are granted due to the Veteran's fall incident in August 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis of hypertension during active military service and concluding that the current condition is not related to service.

Service connection is granted for hypertension, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Service connection remains denied for a lumbar spine disability and right thigh and knee disability.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension, gastritis, and GERD are considered to be related to service.

The Veteran's eye disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depressive disorder are being remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, residual injury to hands and arms, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for further development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's conditions, including his heart disorder and acute pupillary changes with thalamic ischemia versus demyelination, are related to service, particularly given his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The outcome of the burial benefits claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the cause of death claim.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of secondary service connection for hypertension due to diabetes.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, heart disability (coronary artery disease), and kidney disease due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran's reports of ongoing symptomatology following service are considered in conjunction with his reported diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the inextricably intertwined nature of his hearing loss claim and the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions from previous VA examinations. The Veteran's hypertension will need further evaluation and opinion.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for a nervous condition due to new medical evidence, but denied reopening of claims for right shoulder pain and problems, lower back pain and problems, hypertension, left shoulder disability, and stomach disability.,The issues of entitlement to effective dates prior to December 1, 2014 for bilateral hearing loss and scar disabilities are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a supplemental opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is at least as likely as not related to service-connected disabilities, including his hypertension and psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not incurred in service or due to herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claims for service connection.