Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the issues related to left knee patellofemoral degenerative joint disease, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, bilateral metatarsalgia, and hypertension prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and therefore, denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The case is being remanded for additional development regarding his hypertension.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records from Fort Rucker, Fort Riley, Fort Dix, and Germany. The appeals for service connection for hypertension, pancreatitis, and back problems are being remanded due to the need for these records.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, cerebral vascular accident, and acute renal failure are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's glaucoma is rated at 60 percent, PTSD at 70 percent, bilateral pes planus at 10 percent, scar of the right posterior occipital area at 10 percent, hypertension at 10 percent, and gout remains noncompensable. The appeal for increased disability evaluations has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he claims is related to his in-service herbicide exposure. The Board has determined that the current record is insufficient and remands the case for a medical opinion regarding whether hypertension is caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service, including his conceded in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension due to herbicide exposure have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or causation for these conditions.

The Veteran's headaches, depressive disorder, and sleep apnea are service-connected. The right knee disability claim is reopened but not granted. Service connection for hypertension is denied as it was not shown to be related to active duty. TBI is also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and arrhythmia, which were previously denied. New evidence received since the last denial supports reopening these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss, fatigue, and headaches have been denied as new and material evidence has not been presented.,Service connection for a skin disorder and GERD is not granted due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension is found to have had its onset in service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD since March 17, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to be more nearly approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and hypertension were both found to be service-connected. The additional compensation for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease with neurological impairments was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, sinus condition, HTN, gastrointestinal disorder, residuals of a hysterectomy, skin condition, headaches, bilateral CTS, and psychiatric disorder are all service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is service-connected as secondary to hypertension and CAD, with a current effective date of May 25, 2010.,Tinnitus has been assigned the maximum 10 percent schedular disability rating available since May 25, 2010.,Hypertension has also been assigned the maximum 10 percent schedular disability rating available since May 25, 2010.,Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is currently rated at 30 percent effective September 27, 2011.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a disability manifested by joint pain, and a low back disability. The evidence does not establish an in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest in service or within a presumptive period and is unrelated to service. The Board also found that his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder (acquired psychiatric disorder to include anxiety disorder) did not cause or aggravate his hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's CAD, hypertension, and GERD are not related to service or exposure to lead or asbestos during service.,There is no evidence of a heart condition in the year following separation from service, nor within one year after separation. The VA opinion indicates no correlation between the Veteran's conditions and his exposure to lead or asbestos.