Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The Veteran also appealed for a TDIU but was denied as his disabilities do not render him incapable of employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking the claimed conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU prior to July 6, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the claims for left knee disorders, hypertension/high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has remanded the issue due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected asbestos-related pulmonary disease contributed substantially or materially to his death from cardiac dysrhythmia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer.

Service connection for hepatitis C and dysthymic disorder (claimed as depression) is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no further action can be taken on these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, carotid artery disease, and hypertension due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disorder, respiratory disorder (asbestosis), hypertension, kidney disorder, diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity disorders, are all denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or service connection.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis are granted as service-connected, with a grant of initial compensation for this condition. The Veteran's hypertension is not found to be related to Agent Orange exposure or his PTSD.,An initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, psychiatric disability (depression and alcohol abuse disorder), headaches, hypertension, and diabetes have been granted. The diagnoses of depression and alcohol abuse disorder are linked to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and he did not meet the requirements for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of 70% for major depressive disorder is granted. The case is remanded to determine if hypertension should be service connected and whether it is aggravated by the major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's arteriolonephrosclerosis with hypertension is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records for a possible higher rating.

The Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for hypertension and asthma have been denied. The Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate cancer has been granted, but the case is remanded due to lack of evidence regarding his exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer (on de novo review) is also remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart disability, hypertension, sinusitis, and respiratory disability (COPD) due to herbicide agent exposure. The cases are remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's claims of asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea is reopened, but a new medical opinion is needed regarding its onset during service or relationship with his posttraumatic stress disorder. For hypertension, a new medical opinion is required to address whether it was caused by diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tension headaches is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, carpal tunnel syndrome of the hands, low back disorder, hypertension, varicose veins, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and left foot disorder are all remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right ankle disorder, right knee disorder, right foot disorder (pes planus), and right varicose veins are not addressed as they do not involve secondary service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as not being related to service or his service-connected conditions. The claim for a higher rating for schizophrenia prior to November 30, 2010 is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sleep apnea and hypertension have been granted as the evidence shows these conditions are related to his military service.