Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for compressed vertebra, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, hypertension, eczema, left hip condition, and TBI have been granted. The Veteran is also granted a higher rating for his PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, and supraventricular tachycardia with left ventricular hypertrophy as secondary to his service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder with alcohol use disorder. The appeals were remanded for further action on some issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, including whether it is related to service or any other condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and denied all other claims, including those related to the Veteran's hands, chest pain, respiratory issues, hypertension, and tension headaches. The effective date for the grant of service connection for right knee strain is set at January 24, 2013.

The Veteran's hypertension and migraine headaches have been granted initial evaluations. However, the PTSD claim has been remanded due to incomplete records.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and sleep apnea.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is remanded due to the lack of inpatient treatment records from Pensacola VA Hospital. The AOJ must obtain these records and schedule the Veteran for an examination by a clinician to determine if her hypertension is related to her military service.

The Board has found that a compensable rating is not warranted for hypertension. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of hypertension and coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction and CABG (CAD) is remanded, as well as the claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected liver disorder substantially or materially contributed to his cholangiocarcinoma and death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence of a diagnosed chronic disability resulting from the claimed conditions.

Service connection for ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity has been granted due to herbicide exposure.,Hypertension and diabetic retinopathy have not yet been evaluated based on their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to increased severity of symptoms since the last VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's hypertension. The effective date for service connection remains denied.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings on several conditions, including heart disorder, scar, hallux limitus, left varicocele, and right foot tinea pedis. The Veteran withdrew his appeal as to these issues during a hearing before the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability with left lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for hypertension.

Service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic features, headaches disorder, and sleep apnea has been granted. Service connection for a left foot disorder is reopened but not granted. Service connection for hypertension was denied.,The Veteran's headaches are secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship to service or service-connected conditions.,Service connection was also denied for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus and/or PTSD. The Board found no direct causation due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension were all denied as there is no in-service event, injury or disease associated with these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's low back disability is found to have had its onset during his active duty service and has continued since that time.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, abdominal hernia, bilateral cataract status post intraocular lens replacement in left eye, and pancreatitis are remanded due to unclear evidence regarding the Veteran's service in Vietnam and potential exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left knee disability and heart condition. The cases are being remanded to allow for a VA examination.