Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the correct standard of service connection and potential herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for hypertension, as the Veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of hypertension during or within one year of separation from active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service, including his exposure to asbestos or herbicide agents, and is not secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records related to the Veteran's heart disabilities. A new medical opinion is needed to address whether the diagnosed conditions are separate from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and if they are proximately caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD and/or diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, thus denying entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, nor by systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more. The criteria for a higher rating under the applicable Diagnostic Code are not met.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service and/or exposure to herbicide agents. The decision is based on direct service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not causally related to his active service or any incident therein, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The most probative evidence established that it was less likely than not caused by in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The claims for peripheral neuropathy, right foot disorder, hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney cancer are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss. The issues were also addressed regarding right shoulder, foot, hip, and leg disabilities.

The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records, and no other specific reasons were provided in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review any of his claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for varicose veins and granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The left knee disability is not considered distinct from the service-connected peripheral vascular disease, but it is not determined whether it is aggravated by that condition. Service connection for anxiety disorder and depression are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and other conditions, based on presumed exposure to herbicides while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. The effective date is set as August 31, 2010, which is when VA added ischemic heart disease (IHD) as a presumptive disability.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, ischemic heart disease, and migraine headaches, as well as in-service exposures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is caused by his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and therefore grants service connection for hypertension.