Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service onset of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted. The claim of secondary service connection for labile hypertension as secondary to PTSD is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension and coronary artery disease due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of adequate examination. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if his hypertension is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes, and to assess the current severity of his coronary artery disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hypertension and an increased rating for genitourinary condition, finding no CUE in the original ratings or that new evidence warranted reopening of the service connection claim.

The Veteran's cause of death is denied as there was no service connection for the conditions that led to his death, and exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam is not established.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for a right eye disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), and hypertension due to incomplete records and inadequate examinations. The Veteran's medical records are missing, including those from over 35 years ago. Additionally, the VA examinations were found to be insufficient.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher disability rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied. The Board also finds that the issue of service connection for hypertension (secondary to coronary artery disease) needs further development and remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, low back, and right knee disabilities due to new evidence showing possible in-service onset of symptoms.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss disability as it meets the definition of a present disability under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for sleep apnea, migraine headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. The left inguinal hernia claim is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to missing records, need for new examinations, and the need for VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and tinnitus. The claim for neuropathy of the bilateral hands and fingers is denied due to lack of diagnosis. The claim for neuropathy of the bilateral feet is also denied. The claim for a lumbar spine disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus with renal insufficiency, coronary artery disease status post stent placement, and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for service connection of hypertension and diabetes mellitus as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The VA medical opinions provided clear evidence against these claims, with no significant rationale given by Dr. Cook.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral eye condition, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), a thyroid condition, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand requires additional medical opinions to address the etiology of these conditions, particularly regarding exposure to herbicides and the relationship between his service-connected tinnitus and his claimed disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a heart disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not establish in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), finding no new and material evidence to reopen any of these claims. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish direct service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service-connected hypertension and/or GERD may have contributed to his obstructive sleep apnea, but an addendum opinion is needed to determine if it caused or aggravated the condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA examination for hypertension, and requires additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's hypertension and benign prostatic hypertrophy were denied as not related to service or presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the respiratory disorder and asbestos exposure, but an examination is needed to determine if there is any connection.,GERD was also denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no current medical evidence linking it to service.