Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea, COPD, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to herbicide exposure. The remaining issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension secondary to and/or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or renal insufficiency due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if it is related to his active service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that it is related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his military service.

The Board has found that a VA examination is needed for the disabilities to properly adjudicate the issues on appeal, including service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for urinary incontinence and a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction and onychomycosis have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,The claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disorder has been reopened based on new evidence submitted since January 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to her service-connected conditions. A new examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining an expert medical opinion on whether the Veteran's knee disabilities are related to service or his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and a headache disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's death at a private hospital is being reviewed for eligibility for VA burial benefits. The appellant contends that the Veteran was under VA-contracted care at the time of his death, but VA records are needed to confirm this. She must provide any additional medical records pertinent to her claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include major depressive disorder, and for hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder (insomnia) due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with anxiety and depression), sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and erectile dysfunction. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, prostate cancer, a skin disability, and diabetes mellitus due to exposure to herbicide agents. The decision is pending further development based on new legal guidance regarding the expansion of the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents.

The appeal for service connection for hypertension is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for left ankle sprain and right knee pain (shin splints) was granted. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is also granted.,Claims for service connection for hallux disability of the right foot, disability affecting the head of the metatarsal right big toe, left knee disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension were denied.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, with the onset likely during active duty.,Service connection for a left shoulder disorder secondary to right shoulder strain is denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's hypertension, which requires continuous medication and has a diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's history of renal stone of the left ureter is not compensable as it does not affect his body or exposed areas, nor does he require topical therapy.,Service connection for ischemic cardiomyopathy (cardiac disorder) due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and is being remanded.,The Veteran's left foot disorder, right foot disorder, hypertension, chronic acid reflux, memory loss, chronic headache disorder, and sleep disorder are all being remanded.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for costochondritis but denied service connection for hypertension. The case is remanded to obtain additional personnel records and provide a VA examination to clarify the Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses.