Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a low back disorder and left leg disorder, but denied all other issues. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as there is no evidence of actual need for such benefits.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs and arthritis of the right foot (including calcaneal spur), and left foot injury are being remanded due to new evidence submitted since previous denials. The claims will be further evaluated based on the Veteran's service history and any potential exposure to Agent Orange or herbicides.

The Board has denied reopening of service connection claims for valvular heart disease and hypertension, but has remanded the claim for pituitary macroadenoma (brain tumor). The Veteran's active duty service is not presumed to have exposed him to herbicides. A VA examination is needed to determine if his current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension symptoms have not more nearly approximated the criteria for a compensable rating at any time during the appeal period, as his diastolic pressure has consistently been below 100 and his systolic pressure is consistently below 160. The Veteran requires continuous medication to control his blood pressure but does not meet the specific criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had high blood pressure during service and at the time of his 1999 diagnosis for hypertension. The Board found continuity in symptoms (high blood pressure) between discharge from service and the 1999 diagnosis, thus granting service connection for hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, hypertension, and PTSD. The Veteran did not have current disabilities for VA purposes related to these conditions, and there was no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, as the medical expert concluded that his hypertension did not contribute to his cause of death. The appellant's assertion regarding exposure to herbicide agents is also not supported by evidence.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral status post varicose vein stripping, left and right lower extremity saphenous neuralgia, hypertension, and headaches. The decision also remanded several issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending claims that could impact the TDIU determination. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded until all service connection and new and material evidence issues are resolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, left leg disability (including left knee and right elbow), sleep apnea, and residuals of an oral injury due to lack of a VA examination. The Veteran is requested to provide lay statements and undergo examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran is in need of aid and attendance by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The rating for PTSD remains unchanged, but the Veteran is now eligible for a TDIU due to his overall disability picture.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and the need to obtain additional information.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for various conditions, including right eye retina disability, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, constipation, PTSD, GERD, ED, and prostate failure. The Veteran's service in Vietnam is conceded, and he contends his conditions are related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for hypertension, pulmonary embolism, status post colon resection, left ankle arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, bilateral shoulder arthritis, bilateral hand arthritis, and bilateral foot arthritis due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims. Service connection was granted for residuals of recurring incisional hernia with associated scarring.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's cause of death claim due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his service-connected PTSD and hypertension, which contributed to his death. The Appellant is also referred for her accrued benefits claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and remanded the claims for service connection for cardiac disorder secondary to hypertension due to new evidence received since the last denial in 1989. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension and heart disorders, as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the aggravation of hypertension by the service-connected MDD.