Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has required continuous medication for control, but his diastolic pressure was not predominantly 100 or more and he does not have a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more. Therefore, the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7101 are not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his heart disabilities. The examiner will need to identify each heart disability he currently has or had during the appeal period and determine if it fits within the definition of ischemic heart disease. They must also assess whether it is at least as likely as not related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, left ankle disability, and hypertension were denied. The claim for increased rating for hypertension was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding service treatment records and for additional medical examinations.