Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiovascular condition other than hypertension and for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation during service and that the conditions preexisted service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for residuals of multiple strokes, pelvic inflammatory disease, or asthma. Service connection is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between her service and these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension, left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease, and exercise-induced anaphylaxis with allergic rhinitis are all granted. The rating for the left ankle sprain is increased to 10 percent. The Veteran's service-connected exercise-induced anaphylaxis with allergic rhinitis is granted at a higher rate of 100 percent prior to October 13, 2011. Service connection for sleep apnea remains pending and requires further evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension and nephrolithiasis have been granted service connection, but the RO improperly combined them into a single rating. The Board is remanded to assign separate ratings for each condition.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for hypertensive heart disease, hypertension (HTN), and supraventricular arrhythmia. The appeal of service connection for OSA was remanded due to insufficient evidence. Service connection for cardiac ischemia is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II with renal dysfunction, is denied. The Veteran's claim for hypertension, secondary to service-connected diabetes with renal dysfunction, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bladder dysfunction, CAD, diabetes mellitus, Type II) are considered to have contributed substantially or materially to his death from COPD.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease with stenting associated with hypertension, dizziness and fatigue is rated at 60 percent since January 26, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, hypertension, dental disorder, and chronic sinus disorder due to outstanding VA medical records and further examination.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to alcohol use as a result of his anxiety disorder, and thus resolving doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as secondary to his right ear hearing loss. Service connection for hypertension and left ear hearing loss are denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and left knee disability were denied service connection, while a separate rating of 10 percent for arthritis was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for stroke as secondary to his service-connected total left knee arthroplasty, finding that there was no evidence linking the stroke to his knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus type II have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of in-service onset or relationship between his current conditions and active duty.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension due to its determination that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current hypertension was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected GERD and rhinosinusitis. The claims for bronchitis, hypertension, and gallstones are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, hypertension, and immune thrombocytic purpura due to insufficient rationale provided by VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to her service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD and heart disability. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's retroperitoneal fibrosis with left kidney removal and stent on the right kidney is rated at 80 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7500. A separate 10 percent rating for hypertension is granted.