Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, eye condition (retinal neuropathy), bilateral diabetic neuropathies, and a breathing condition. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure during service and thus presumptive service connection could not be established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and sleep apnea are service-connected, with evidence showing current diagnoses, in-service treatment, and continuity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and the need for updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and was not caused by his service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder and hypertension are being remanded for further examination and medical opinions to determine their etiology, as well as the impact of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as noncompensable prior to October 13, 2004 and 20 percent thereafter. The issue of service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected coronary artery disease, which is presumed to be due to his in-service exposure to herbicides at Fort Drum. The appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a headache condition, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing post-concussion syndrome existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service.,The Board also denied service connection for hypertension, concluding that it did not manifest during service or within one year of separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized emergency medical treatment provided by Bryan Medical Center from March 31, 2015 to April 3, 2015 meets the criteria for payment or reimbursement under VA regulations. The condition was deemed an emergent one and there were no feasible VA facilities available.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has determined that the VA examination used to assess the Veteran's hypertension is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service, may not be presumed to have been so incurred, and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The preponderance of evidence does not support any other theory of service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development to assess the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. The case is REMANDED for this purpose.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional medical inquiry and commentary due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's low back disability. The service connection claims for shoulder disability and hypertension are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim for back disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema, hypertension, migraine headaches, and loss of memory due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claims of service connection for GERD, hypertension, and arrhythmia are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and denied service connection for hypertension, left knee disability, and gastric ulcer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, and an eye disability has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection cannot be granted on a secondary basis due to the absence of a service-connected condition. The Veteran's claims are also not supported by evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other presumptive conditions.