Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected neurofibromatosis, including a request for higher ratings and service connection for other conditions. The Board has determined that the appeals should be remanded due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance from December 31, 2007. The TDIU was granted due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since December 31, 2007.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding no evidence that his congestive heart failure, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus are related to military service.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims, except for the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability which has been reopened.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for cause of death due to metastatic colon cancer with contributory coronary artery disease and hypertension, finding that the appellant did not file her claim within one year from the effective date of a liberalizing law or VA issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of herbicide exposure and for further development regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, has been granted. The Board also remanded the issues of secondary service connection for posterior vitreous detachment with symptoms of floaters in left eye and hypertension to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection and disability ratings for various conditions. The Board has determined that further development is necessary in order to make a determination on these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's neck disorder, hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder), and sleep apnea claims are all pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and chronic kidney disability were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted with an effective date of July 31, 2006. The claimant contends that the earlier effective date is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, service connection for gout, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. The examiner needs to provide a new opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s hypertension is causally connected to his active service, including his presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease are granted as service connected, with the latter being presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome and any related symptoms are attributable to his service-connected PTSD.,VA examinations are needed for the right foot gout, left foot gout, low back disorder, respiratory/lung disorder, and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including ischemic heart disease, COPD with pulmonary hypertension, and other disabilities, resulted in significant need for regular aid and attendance. However, the criteria for SMC in excess of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) were not met.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II and diabetic nephropathy, and increased rating for diabetic retinopathy due to incomplete or insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the appeal is dismissed. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the PTSD claim and denied all other claims.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension and skin disorder (claimed as PFB) due to insufficient evidence in the record.