Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues related to his presumed herbicide exposure, hypertension secondary to DM, neuropathy as secondary to DM, and coronary artery disease. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional records and undergo further examinations.

The Veteran's hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea were not found to be related to his active military service, leading to a denial of these claims. The left and right knee degenerative joint disease cases are remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining post-service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The issues of service connection are being remanded.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to service or his service-connected PTSD.,His hypertension was not incurred in service and is not otherwise related to service. The Board finds that it is less likely than not caused by the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines is granted, while his claims for other conditions are denied. The Veteran also received a higher rating for anxiety with PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, bladder cancer, and chronic myeloid leukemia due to in-service herbicide exposure while serving as a security policeman along the perimeter of the Royal Thai Air Force Base in U-Tapao, Thailand.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or due to exposure to herbicide agents. The new evidence submitted by the Veteran suggests that there may be an association between at least one herbicide agent and hypertension, but this needs further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's hypertension claim will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral feet neuropathy, bilateral upper leg pain and difficulty walking, and hypertension. The appeals for headaches, anxiety attacks (including depression), and sleep apnea are remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder and gastritis were dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these claims.,New evidence was received to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal for reopening the claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was dismissed. The application to reopen a claim for service connection for depression was granted, but the Board also remanded claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression), and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her service-connected knee disabilities, bilateral pes planus and hallux valgus, a back disorder, hypertension, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The Veteran also has pending claims seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and hypertension have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.,The Veteran has withdrawn all issues except for entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability, right knee disability, back disability, neck disability, sleep disability, and hypertension.

The Veteran's hypertension was evaluated at a 10 percent rating since the appeal period began. The Board found that his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as they were consistently below the threshold of diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder with anxiety and depressed mood.,Tinnitus is remanded for a VA audiometric examination to determine its etiology.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for an updated VA examination and medical opinion considering the Veteran’s specific medical history.,Heart condition and high blood pressure are remanded for a VA examination and medical opinion addressing their relationship with service-connected conditions.,Adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood remains at issue, requiring an updated VA psychiatric examination.,Right knee instability and degenerative changes with internal derangement remain at issue, requiring an updated VA examination.,Left thigh scar and right hand scarring are remanded for increased ratings based on the Veteran's current medical records.,TDIU is remanded due to the Veteran’s service-connected conditions impacting his employment.,Whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for any lung disorder remains at issue.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to service or service-connected PTSD. The VA needs to obtain and review any private medical records from Plymouth County Hospital for treatment of hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, but granted his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected unspecified depressive disorder. The decision is mixed since one issue was denied and another was granted.