Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and hypertension, and an increased rating of 100 percent for PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer, hypertension, DM, and heart disorder all related to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions are more likely due to the Veteran's long history of smoking rather than exposure to contaminated water.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral pes planus, hypertension, and a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD due to potential issues with the evidence provided.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, sleep disorder, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, voiding dysfunction, skin disorder, and dysphagia. The appeals are remanded to determine appropriate evaluations and etiology.

The Veteran's hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus were denied service connection as there was no evidence of onset during service or within the presumptive period.,Left knee replacement, right knee limitation of motion with degenerative osteoarthritis, special monthly compensation based on Aid and Attendance/Housebound, temporary total evaluations for left knee replacement due to hospital treatment in excess of 21 days and surgical convalescence, and automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only were remanded for further examination and development.

The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication and has a diastolic pressure predominantly at or above 100. The Board granted a 10% disability rating for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran’s claims for service connection for a back disability, heart disability, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disability (claimed as diarrhea), acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as anxiety, depression, and PTSD), respiratory disability (claimed as breathing problems) to include COPD, left upper quadrant curvilinear calcification (claimed as aortic aneurysm), and enlarged prostate have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for schizoaffective disorder with bipolar disorder and hypertension were denied, as the effective date cannot be earlier than March 14, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is granted, with diabetes mellitus being presumed due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. Hypertension is found secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease, hypertension, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims for these conditions are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension as there was no evidence of a disability during the period of the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, angina pectoris with chest pains, hypertension, IBS, and fibrocystic breast disease due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete addendum opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type II and its secondary effects on other conditions, have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury, or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to hypertension, dermatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and sleep apnea require additional development. The effective dates of these claims will be determined after further review.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, asbestosis, forgetfulness or memory loss, joint pain, and hypertension have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals prior to promulgation of a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate development and examination reports. The VA is required to obtain additional records, schedule examinations, and provide adequate opinions.

The Board dismissed the appeals seeking service connection for chronic lower back pain, DDD, multiple lung nodules, and hypertension as the Veteran withdrew his claims prior to a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic fatigue, sleep apnea, and hypertension due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is considered a contributory cause of his death, with all doubts resolved in favor of the appellant.