Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's hypertension and low back disorder are found to be at least as likely as not related to service. The right ankle disorder appeal is withdrawn by the Veteran. Service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The issues on appeal are whether he is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for his left index finger injury, hypertension, and dehydration with rhabdomyolysis.

The Veteran has current diagnoses of hypertension and Bell's palsy. The Board found service connection for Bell's palsy, but the issue of service connection for hypertension remains in dispute.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for sleep apnea. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the fingers. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain his service personnel records, relevant treatment records, and VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the Veteran through his authorized representative.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for dysthymic disorder and hypertension, both of which are considered direct service connections.,There is no evidence of a current ingrown toenail disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his period of active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issues regarding bilateral hearing loss, left hip disability, and hypertension are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating and also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a more contemporaneous VA examination to determine if it was caused by his in-service exposure to herbicide agents or due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. His PTSD and peripheral neuropathy are also being remanded for additional evaluations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Appellant's periods of active duty service and to determine if any hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, sleep problem, or hypertension are related to such service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident. This includes obtaining relevant medical records, particularly those prior to November 2010 when the Veteran had his stroke.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, respiratory disability (chronic bronchitis), peripheral neuropathy of the right shoulder, skin disability (eczema), fatty tumors, to include lipomas or soft tissue tumors, and vision or eye disability are all denied. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including addendum opinions from the VA examiner regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's erythema nodosum and hypertension were found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected, and his hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran also did not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension became manifest during service and is therefore service connected. The kidney disease, which was diagnosed as secondary to hypertension, also appears to be related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues on appeal, including those related to service connection and rating claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension are not service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology for these conditions.