Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability, osteoarthritis of an unspecified joint, cataracts, and hypertension due to insufficient evidence on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also meets the requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, headaches, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy (left upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (right upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve, left lower extremity), peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve, right lower extremity), and peripheral neuropathy (femoral nerve, left lower extremity) are all denied. The Board has remanded the claims for these conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the right inguinal hernia scar rating and service connection for various disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to a lack of recent VA examinations and potential procedural errors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) due to failure to respond to VA examination notifications.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral vascular disease, numbness of the hands and feet, and hypertension have been granted. The conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and leukopenia/neutropenia due to inadequate examination reports and lack of rationale in medical opinions. The Veteran's PTSD is being considered as a potential cause or aggravation of his hypertension, while the etiology of his leukopenia and neutropenia will be determined based on exposure history and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's atrial fibrillation is not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected hypertension and asthma, and thus remanded for further review.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding service connection for hypertension, sleep disorder (OSA), GERD, erectile dysfunction, prostate disorder, skin disorder, and respiratory disorder, as well as special monthly compensation.

The Board has determined that the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, and service connection for PTSD are remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 7, 2016 for the service connection of various conditions including diabetes mellitus and its complications. The Veteran's original claim was filed on that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a heart disorder including coronary artery disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and insomnia due to outstanding VA treatment records and further medical examination.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding her active duty and National Guard service, particularly concerning ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA periods from 2003 to 2009. The appellant must provide verification of these periods and any related treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for thyroid gland disease and PTSD have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension has been granted, but a remand is required to obtain an opinion on its etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for hypertension, including exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is also being considered as it may aggravate his hypertension.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is denied. An earlier effective date prior to June 15, 2012 for service connection of hemorrhoids is also denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and urinary problem (including a prostate disability) are remanded for further examination to determine their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the preexistence of these conditions or their association with Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and chronic renal disease secondary to prostate cancer due to insufficient opinions regarding their etiology. Specifically, a new opinion is needed on whether these conditions are related to presumed herbicide exposure during service or to his service-connected prostate cancer.