Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or any other compensable basis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension is granted. The claim for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as acid reflux and heartburn, is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension or left knee disability, and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for hypertension from 20% to 10% effective September 24, 2008 was proper. The overpayment and resultant debt due to retroactive discontinuation of additional compensation based on the Veteran's former marriage was validly created.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headaches, back and neck disabilities, hypertension, and abdominal disability are not service-connected as they are either not related to his military service or were pre-existing conditions exacerbated by service.

The Veteran's hypertension and left ankle disability are being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and hypertension are all found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board grants these claims.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and chronic kidney disease, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Veteran's PTSD is also found to aggravate his hypertension.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute coronary syndrome, which is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the appellant was not a 'helpless child' at age 18 due to his ability to support himself through his own efforts, despite having some health conditions and disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset in service, was not manifested within one year following service discharge, and is not related to herbicide exposure or his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board denied service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury, Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea. The Veteran's claims were not reopened or new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis of the bilateral feet has been granted. The remaining issues have not been fully adjudicated and are remanded.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current right or left knee disability, and the Veteran's reported symptoms are not supported by medical records. Therefore, service connection for these disabilities cannot be granted.,Similarly, the Board finds insufficient evidence to support a finding of a current obstructive sleep apnea disability, as it was first diagnosed many years after discharge from military service. The claim is denied.,Regarding hypertension, the Veteran's blood pressure readings were consistently within normal limits throughout his service and for several years post-discharge. There is no evidence linking this condition to service or any presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.,The Board also found insufficient evidence of a current vision disability in the record. The Veteran's reported symptoms are not supported by medical records. Service connection for this issue is denied.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for hypertension due to exposure to environmental hazards, finding that new and material evidence was not received.,The Board also denied reopening the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and a skin condition, both due to exposure to environmental hazards. The Veteran's testimony and medical opinions were considered but found to be cumulative.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, right homonymous hemianopsia, and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of newly submitted evidence. The claims will be reconsidered after all necessary development has been completed.