Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and service or any presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected conditions, including those presumed to be related to Agent Orange exposure. The cause of death was determined to be cardiopulmonary failure due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and COPD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting further examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse caused his colon cancer, which was a contributory cause of death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service, was not continuous since service, and is not etiologically related to his active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Board found that there is no evidence of hypertension during service or within one year post-service, and the medical opinions do not support a link between the Veteran's current hypertension and his in-service blood pressure readings. The Veteran's PTSD was also not shown to have aggravated his hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder, but denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have onset during service or within one year of service, and was not caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no reliable evidence to corroborate the Veteran's assertions of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain medical records and provide informed opinions regarding his left knee arthritis, hypertension, and potential service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, hypertension, and bilateral eye condition is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have current disabilities for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining an opinion regarding his bilateral hearing loss and issuing a Supplemental Statement of the Case for the remaining issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for viremia, diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. The evidence did not establish herbicide exposure or in-service diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities as he does not have one disability of 60% or more and his combined disability rating is less than 70%. However, due to his other non-service connected conditions, including COPD, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, and diastolic dysfunction, the Veteran may be unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance from another individual due to his service-connected disabilities alone. The AOJ will obtain relevant treatment records, secure SSA disability benefits records, and arrange an aid and attendance examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes did not become manifest during service or for many years thereafter and is not shown to be related to service. Therefore, the claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension, cardiovascular disease with tachycardia and arrhythmia, or an acquired psychiatric disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were not found to be related to his service or presumed exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection was denied for these conditions as they are not considered presumptively linked to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to service, including her ACDUTRA period from July 27, 2001 to August 7, 2001.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent, based on persistent symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, and substernal pain.