Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis of the feet, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction were denied.,Service connection claims for these conditions were also denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinusitis, adjustment disorder, and hypertension are service-connected. However, further development is needed for his sleep apnea claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hypertension may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and is requesting additional evidence to determine if it can also be linked to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded several issues on appeal, including service connection for hypertension, stroke, left ankle disability, psychiatric disorder, and sleep disorder. The Veteran's hypertension may be linked to his active duty service due to documented in-service instances of potentially pertinent elevated blood pressure readings. The stroke and left ankle disability are also likely related to the hypertension. A VA examination is needed to determine if a current psychiatric disorder is etiologically linked to the Veteran's military service, including with attention to the July 2016 lay testimony of the Veteran’s sister and August 2016 private medical opinion of Dr. Henderson-Galligan. The right ankle disability needs an adequate VA examination to assess its severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes and hypertension, which were service-connected, contributed to his death from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). As such, the cause of the Veteran's death is considered due to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran did not have a chronic disease in service or within the initial post-service year. The claim was based on his statements and testimony about having symptoms of nosebleeds and passing out during service which he believed were related to hypertension.,The Board also denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability due to a VA lumbar myelogram in October 1971, concluding that the Veteran's pre-existing back condition was aggravated by his work-related injuries and not by the procedure.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, but has remanded the issues of service connection for coronary artery disease, bilateral lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (secondary to coronary artery disease), and hypertension. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, but a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's bladder disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.,Service connection for headache disability was denied due to lack of current evidence and no identified underlying condition.

The Board denied reopening of claims for service connection for hypertension and colon cancer, finding no new evidence to support the claims.

The Board has granted reopening of the claims for service connection for a left thigh disability and hypertension, but denied reopening of the claim for low back pain. The decision also remanded the issue of whether there was clear and unmistakable error in the February 1997 rating denial of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an initial increased rating for tinnitus due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues of service connection and ratings for various disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hypertension. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's elevated blood pressure readings during service are manifestations of hypertension and if it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, hypertension, and headaches. The appeals are granted to this extent only.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and hypertension has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disorder and hypertension due to additional development being required.