Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hypertension, malaria, dizzy spells, and unspecified eye condition.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issues of hypertension, bilateral hearing loss and diabetes ratings. The Board granted service connection on a secondary basis for erectile dysfunction due to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and VA examinations.

The Veteran's hypertension, which required continuous use of medication for control and had a diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more but not 110 or more, was evaluated as noncompensably disabling. The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's vocal cord disability is rated at 60 percent, effective June 16, 2011.,Service-connected hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the appellant's claimed stressor and to obtain additional medical opinions. The appeal will be considered again after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeals regarding hypertension, migraine headaches, heart disability, and low back condition were dismissed as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims.

The Board found that the evidence does not establish a service connection for hypertension, hyperkeratosis of the feet, GERD or sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension was not related to service, including exposure to herbicides or as secondary to his service-connected diabetes. The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis in service or within one year after discharge, nor any link between the condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not incurred or aggravated during active duty service. The Board finds that the preexisting condition did not worsen in service.,Service connection for a chronic GI disorder, including GERD, diverticulosis, and an esophageal stricture, is denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during service and none are linked to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a new examination and medical opinions regarding his left knee disability and hypertension. The issues of service connection and increased rating are being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU issue.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (CAD) are found to be related to in-service herbicide exposure. The claims for service connection for these conditions are granted.

The Veteran's income does not exceed the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for a Veteran with one dependent for calendar years 2011, 2012, and 2013. The expenses for room and board at [REDACTED] are properly deductible as unreimbursed medical expenses from the Veteran's countable income.

The Board denied the claim as the Veteran's suicide was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain new examinations for his hypertension and bilateral hearing loss, as well as expert opinions on the Federal Register findings regarding PTSD and hypertension. The case will be returned to the Board after compliance with appellate procedures.

The Veteran's hypertension, tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss have been rated appropriately. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted as there are no degenerative changes of the spine within one year of separation from service. No other claims were decided.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claims of service connection for residuals of herbicide exposure, including prostate cancer, impotence, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a heart disorder. The evidence received since the final rating decisions does not establish new and material evidence.