Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to potential service connection issues. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination and evidence collection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder, hypertension, liver disorder, and thyroid disorder were denied. The claim for the back disorder was reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. However, the Board found that there is no evidence linking the current back disorder to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine disability, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo further examination to determine if his current disabilities are related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case and consideration of his claims, including entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were generally denied. The Board also found that the Veteran had not provided sufficient evidence to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which was previously denied in 2009.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating prior to April 20, 2015 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion evaluating potential causal or etiological connections between the Veteran's service, including his presumed exposure to herbicide agents, and his causes of death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service or any related disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be incurred in service or due to a service-connected disability. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between the Veteran's military service and his current hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's hypertension claim due to insufficient rationale in the VA addendum opinion and a need for an additional medical opinion.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the hypertension issue due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, OSA, and hypertension were denied. The appeals are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability and hypertension, finding no in-service disease or injury that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Veteran's headaches and throat disability (chronic tonsillitis) are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's hypertension is denied, but the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety) remains pending.,The Veteran's right ankle disability and left ankle disability remain remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied, while his PTSD is granted a 70% rating from August 2011 onwards. The decision on hypertension is based on the lack of service connection and no evidence linking it to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension has been granted. The effective date is not specified as it was received after September 15, 2015.

The Veteran's service connection for GERD was granted. The appeal for increased ratings on several scars and other issues were denied, with some issues being remanded.

The Veteran's right foot drop, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and service-connected right knee disability are all considered secondary. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn all his pending appeals.

The Board's decision is vacated due to the death of the substitute appellant. The appeal has been dismissed as it is no longer within the jurisdiction of the Board.