Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is not entitled to a higher rating.,Service connection for sleep apnea has been granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. Service connection for hypertension remains pending and will be addressed in the remand portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 7, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not establish a relationship to active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, heart condition, and stroke. The issues are related to service connection and may be affected by exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability, bilateral leg pain, and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, while hypertension is secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7101, as his blood pressure readings have not been predominantly 160/90 or higher.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 6, 2013. Additionally, his need for aid and attendance of another person due to his physical limitations has been established.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right eye disability, but found that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke residuals are not related to his active military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's right and left plantar fasciitis with heel spur, but denied reopening of his claim for hypertension. The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the right hip is rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, heart disorder, and hypertension due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his active military service.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, sleep apnea, and enlarged heart due to new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable. The Board finds that the Veteran is capable of substantially gainful employment with reasonable accommodations.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all issues on appeal, including the claims of service connection for sarcoidosis, hypertension, asthma, and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be rendered regarding the service connection and increased rating claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease, PTSD, major depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, bilateral cataracts, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension, likely preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran is granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for his service-connected low back disability, effective from the date of the decision.