Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder and hypertension has been reopened, with the former being granted as her current diagnosis of lumbar spondylosis raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating her claim.,Her claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) is also granted due to aggravation by her service-connected right hip and cervical spine disabilities.

All reopened claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee strain, right knee strain, and hypertension is granted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced in-service events linked to his current conditions and provided sufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his service.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and obstructive sleep apnea are dismissed. The effective date for the grant of service connection for lichen simplex chronicus, nummular dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis, keratosis pilaris, and acne keloidid nuchae is not changed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) has been granted.,Some issues have also been remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability and remanded the cases of hypertension, acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), and their relationship to her service-connected condition. The claims are being reviewed due to new evidence presented.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for tricuspid regurgitation, higher initial rating for left knee degenerative joint disease, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome prior to the hearing.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for arterial hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder should be remanded due to missing records, including SSA disability benefits decision and VA treatment records. The RO/AMC is instructed to seek these records and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 12, 2012 is being remanded as the evidence shows he has been unable to work due to service-connected disabilities since at least December 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the addition of new medical records and the need for a VA examination regarding hypertension. The issues on appeal are an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, and service connection for hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral ankle condition, hypertension, bilateral blindness, and right lung lesions due to outstanding VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records not being obtained.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, hypohidrosis (inability to sweat), headaches, hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) as he withdrew these issues during his February 2018 hearing. The claim for an initial 100 percent rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and kidney disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service-connected coronary artery disease or exposure to herbicides. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his condition. The examiner will assess whether it is at least as likely as not related to in-service herbicide exposure, service-connected PTSD, or any other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for actinic keratosis, left eye blindness secondary to diabetes mellitus, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's representative raised new contentions regarding these claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension. The chest injury claim is also remanded due to a lack of a VA examination. The hypertension claim is also remanded as it requires an opinion on whether there is a link between service and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension began during his active duty service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and remanded the issue of secondary service connection for hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right hip disorder, and right knee disorder due to insufficient evidence. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service or his left hip disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and Achilles tendonitis, hypertension, and degenerative arthritis of the spine with spondylosis are being remanded due to several issues needing further examination and consideration.