Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and an effective date prior to April 4, 2014, for a 70% rating of PTSD. The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and facet arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including service connection for various conditions and evaluations. The appellant is seeking to have her application as the claimant substituted due to her spouse's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus (secondary to PTSD), hypertension (secondary to PTSD), asthma, and a right foot disability were denied. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of left ankle fracture was granted with a 10% rating effective July 31, 2008. Service connection for PTSD was granted with a 50% rating effective March 26, 2014. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 26, 2014 was also granted.

The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication and has a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from Atlantic Occupational Health and Kmart.

The Veteran's hypertension and stroke are denied as not attributable to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for hypertension was denied. The claim of service connection for atrial fibrillation is remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for a more thorough rationale.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) contributed to his death from intracerebral hemorrhage, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's right shoulder, left hip, and bilateral knee disabilities are granted service connection. Service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to a lack of VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and records. The issues of service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's service records show episodes of nose bleeds and dizziness related to high blood pressure, which may be linked to his current diagnosis of hypertension. For PTSD, the Board found the VA examination inadequate and remanded for further opinion.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for coronary artery disease (CAD) with aortocoronary bypass and service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erectile dysfunction (ED) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.,The Veteran's claim for total rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including foot disability, toe numbness and tingling, hypertension, chronic edema, erectile dysfunction, left leg neuropathy, and depression. The VA will obtain his treatment records from 1970 to 2000, schedule him for examinations, and provide medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II. The claims for service connection for congestive heart failure and a right eye disability (to include stroke) are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of coccygeal fracture are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran’s hypertension and keratolysis of the hands have also been remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for right hand disability, left eye disorder, and hypertension due to outstanding medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not found new and material evidence to support these claims. The left shoulder disability claim is granted as there is now credible evidence of a current condition. The left knee disability, sinus disability (including sinusitis), sleep disorder (including sleep apnea and secondary to tinnitus), and hypertension claims are denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids was denied, and the issue of service connection for hypertension is remanded due to lack of an etiology opinion.

The Board denied service connection for heart disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hand and wrist disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.