Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and the need for further examination. The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining additional medical records and verifying stressful events during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims as they involve issues of service connection for various conditions, including sarcoidosis, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction. The remand requires additional medical examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has conceded the Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension, cardiomyopathy/congestive heart failure (CHF), and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The Veteran contends that his cardiovascular disabilities were incurred in or are the result of his active duty service. However, a VA examiner concluded that the Veteran did not have coronary artery disease due to normal coronary arteries found in 2004 and 2011. An addendum opinion is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's coronary artery disease.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issue of service connection for coronary artery disease due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left hand arthritis, hypertension, residuals of a head injury, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and tension headaches. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all outstanding records and schedule VA examinations for the appropriate conditions.

The Veteran's widow is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for loss of balance due to lack of a Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection for a right knee sprain and an evaluation higher than 20 percent for left shoulder rotator cuff tear. The hypertension claim is denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability and hypertension are granted for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities due to the possibility of relevant SSA records not being included in the claims file.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all appeals.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for COPD, hypertension, and bladder cancer due to exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection remain remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, obesity, vision impairment (astigmatism), and high cholesterol. The appeals are allowed to this extent.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration and worker's compensation claims.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability and TBI, but granted service connection for tinnitus.,Service connection was granted for acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's knee, ear hearing loss, tinnitus, cardiac disability, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and carpal tunnel disabilities may be related to service. However, due to lack of medical evidence on record regarding these claims, the case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The highest schedular rating of 60% was granted for neurodermatitis, but no other condition received a positive decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left knee condition, sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and nightmare disorder).,The Court vacated the Board's decision on the increased rating for cervical spine disability and left ankle disability. The issues of service connection are inextricably intertwined with PTSD.,The Court also remanded the claim for hypertension and acid reflux due to their relationship with PTSD. Additional development is needed regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,The Veteran's representative noted that he was taking issue with VA examinations provided in January 2012 and June 2015, which would encompass the rating period for the 30 percent rating.,The Court also remanded the claim for an increased rating higher than 30 percent for cervical spine disability effective from January 2, 2014. The Veteran's representative noted that he was taking issue with VA examinations provided in January 2012 and June 2015, which would encompass the rating period for the 30 percent rating.,The Court also remanded the claim for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for left ankle disability. The Veteran's representative noted that he was taking issue with VA examinations provided in January 2012 and June 2015, which would encompass the rating period for the 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his hypertension, depressive disorder, and coronary artery disease.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The effective date is set at July 28, 2014, which was when the Veteran filed his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.,The effective date for the award of a 10 percent disability rating for tinnitus cannot be earlier than June 19, 2011 due to the liberalizing law enacted in 1999. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied as it does not meet the legal criteria.,The Veteran's claim for increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder with major depression is remanded and will be addressed separately.