Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, allergic rhinitis, and several other conditions are granted service connection. Service connection is also remanded for low back, cervical spine, right knee, gastrointestinal, and hypertension disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to outstanding VA medical records and need for VA examinations.

The Board has stayed adjudication of cases affected by the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, including the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The issues are being remanded due to a need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cardiac and brain disabilities, which may be related to his service-connected asbestosis.

The Board has ordered remand for the TDIU claim due to non-compliance with previous directives. The hypertension claim requires a new medical opinion considering recent NAS findings on Agent Orange exposure and its association with hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to the passage of time since his last VA examinations and the submission of new private medical records indicating worsening of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen several of the Veteran's previously denied claims, but did not grant service connection for any of them.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status and/or the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected PTSD did not render him incapable of performing daily activities or requiring regular assistance.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, and right hip condition are not currently service connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claim as it pertains to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to cardiovascular issues, including hypertension. The Southern Oaks Health Care Center records and a VA medical opinion are needed.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied. The hypertension with renal insufficiency and cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spur formation were both found to not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes is granted. Service connection for hyperlipidemia and hypertension are denied, with hypertension being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The skin disorder issue remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of service connection for bilateral primary open angle glaucoma, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, and schizophrenia.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for erectile dysfunction and spastic bladder. The hypertension claim is remanded due to a need for further development, including obtaining relevant Department of Labor records.

The Board has remanded the cases of erectile dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypertension due to insufficient medical opinion regarding their relationship to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus caused or aggravated his hypertension. The case will be addressed on its merits.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, left ankle disability, hypertension, DDD of the lumbar spine, and left hip disability as there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has identified several issues for remand, including service connection claims and increased rating claims. The Veteran's prostate disability is of particular interest as it may affect the outcome of other claims.