Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and kidney disease are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II. The Veteran's hypertension was diagnosed in or shortly after service, while his kidney disease worsened following the onset of diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, ED, and tinnitus are related to his service-connected conditions or in-service noise exposure. The claims for these disabilities have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, entitling him to a TDIU.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted a 50 percent evaluation for his headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, effective from the date of the claim. The Veteran's hypertension is related to her service-connected PTSD.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 24, 2012, to June 30, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as hypertension, were denied. The Board found that while the Veteran has current diagnoses of these conditions, there is no evidence showing their onset during service or within one year after separation, and the weight of the competent, probative evidence does not support a finding of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities and left upper extremity, emphysema, and COPD were not shown to be related to service or any presumptive exposure.,Service connection for asbestosis was denied due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and depression have been rated at 30 percent each, effective August 31, 2010.,The Veteran has gastroesophageal reflux disease that is aggravated by his service-connected arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in previous opinions and a need for additional medical examination.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not otherwise related to active service. The Board also determined that his current hypertension is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II or coronary artery disease.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that it was not at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by in-service herbicide exposure. The case is now remanded to obtain a VA examination and address whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for stomach ulcers, hypertension, a skin disability, GERD, and painful joints. The evidence did not show current diagnoses or a combination of manifestations sufficient to identify these conditions in service or within one year after separation. The examiner opined that there was no causal relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his time on active duty.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and prostate disability, finding that there is no evidence of a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is characterized by systolic pressure predominantly 160mm or more, and the Board has granted a 10 percent initial evaluation for this condition.

The Board has remanded four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need an addendum opinion from a medical examiner regarding his use of prescription steroid medication during active duty and its impact on his current conditions.