Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's urinary frequency, due to his service-connected hypertension and medication use, is rated at 40 percent. The Veteran also meets the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of hypertension, skin condition, unspecified respiratory condition now claimed as chronic airway obstruction, and asthma all secondary to PTSD due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions on causation and exposure, as well as outstanding VA treatment records. The examiner is requested to provide a comprehensive opinion regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded as the Board cannot make a fully-informed decision without addressing whether her gynecological conditions and hepatic cysts clearly and unmistakably preexisted service, and if so, whether they were clearly and unmistakably aggravated by service.,The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about any private medical treatment she has received for these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hearing loss was dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.,Service connection for tinnitus and hypertension were both reopened based on new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional evidence and to address the inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable prior to August 28, 2008, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's representative reported SSA disability benefits, but SSA records have not been obtained.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disorder as the conditions did not manifest during active duty or within one year post-service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and several other musculoskeletal issues. The decision also includes remands for tinnitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and erectile dysfunction have been granted ratings. The spine disability and skin disability issues are remanded for further examination and evaluation. Diabetes mellitus is also remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral leg disorder is not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The February 1985 rating decision for lumbar and cervical spine arthritis was upheld, with the VA finding that a single rating under Diagnostic Code 5003 was appropriate given x-ray evidence of involvement in two minor joint groups (lumbar and cervical spines). DIC benefits were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fatigue, left shoulder disability, right lung mass, hypertension (HTN), abdominal pain, and bilateral hand and foot numbness due to alleged lead poisoning, exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water, and/or Agent Orange. Further development is needed to clarify the nature of these conditions and their etiology.

The Board denied service connection for left wrist disability, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension. The Veteran's request to reopen the claim of service connection for a left wrist disability was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (diagnosed as a trauma-related disorder) is granted service connection. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including diabetes, glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, CAD/IHD, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand includes efforts to corroborate the Veteran’s exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Japan.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's neck, left knee, and hypertension disabilities are related to his military service. The right knee disability case is also being remanded for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of continuity of symptomatology or causation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and bipolar disorder), and headaches. Service connection was denied for hypertension.