Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board finds that additional development is needed before the claims for higher evaluations can be adjudicated on the merits. The Veteran has submitted new evidence since the March 2015 Statement of the Case, and this evidence must be considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new medical opinion regarding whether his hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected coronary artery disease or diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's headaches, hypertension, and skin disability are all remanded for further examination and opinion. The Board will consider service connection on the merits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for his service-connected disabilities and remanded several issues including an initial increased rating for hypothyroidism, service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to his thyroid condition, and TDIU. The claims are being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension may be related to his presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, but this needs further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension and PTSD are granted as service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right finger disability, cervical spine disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, heart disability (to include coronary artery disease), hypertension, high cholesterol, melanoma, diabetes mellitus, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability (to include anxiety).

The claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, a nervous condition, lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome have been dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, right bicep tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome (right wrist), and high cholesterol. The decision also granted a higher initial rating of 10 percent for a left eyebrow scar.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension and skin rash of the feet, hands, and face due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents is not considered in determining these claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, an eye disorder, hemorrhoids, and a prostate disorder as secondary to herbicide exposure. The claims were remanded for further examination regarding cervical spine and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for a compound fracture of the right leg as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision. The other claims are remanded due to new evidence received since the February 2014 Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential exposure to ionizing radiation in service, and for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension and cardiomyopathy are granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and PTSD.,PTSD is granted with a 100 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and for additional development in connection with his claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, cataracts, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, stroke residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety).

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest within one year of separation from service and is not related to the Veteran's military service or his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for hypertension due to herbicide agent exposure and secondary to service-connected ischemic heart disease, as it is unclear whether there is a link between these conditions based on the provided medical opinions.

The appeal for service connection of COPD has been withdrawn and dismissed. The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II; bronchitis; gastrointestinal disorder; skin disorder of the inner thighs and under arms; and skin disorder of the feet have been remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has remanded two issues: asthma and hypertension. The Veteran's asthma and hypertension are being evaluated based on their onset during service or due to exposure to hazardous agents in service.

Service connection is denied for a bilateral eye condition, bilateral hearing loss, and right ankle fracture.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was previously denied due to lack of evidence showing the condition within one year of discharge or being related to active military service.