Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric disability, leading to a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hypertension from August 31, 2001 to May 19, 2018 is denied as the evidence does not show diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more during this period.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for residuals of a neck injury is denied as the evidence does not support an increased rating.,Service connection for hypertension remains remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.,Service connection for gastrointestinal disorder (including gastric ulcer, gastroenteritis, polyps, and colonic diverticulosis) remains remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity remains remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity remains remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder) remains remanded due to conflicting VA medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, heart failure, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety). The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and service.,There was no credible evidence presented to support claims that any of these conditions began during or were otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective December 21, 2012. A TDIU rating is granted effective January 1, 2015. The remaining issues on appeal are dismissed.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as the appeal for a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran withdrew these appeals prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for hypertension and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show that the Veteran’s blood pressure readings predominantly met the criteria for a higher rating, nor did it reflect occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to PTSD symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and hypertension due to insufficient evidence or lack of examination.

Service connection for a low back disorder, tinnitus, sleep apnea, cardiovascular (CV) disorder, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension was denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD has been reopened and is now considered for service connection. The Board finds new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for loss of sense of smell, taste, sinusitis, hypertension, and headaches have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Service records do not show any complaints or diagnoses related to the claimed conditions until after separation from service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and sleep disturbance. The Veteran served in Southwest Asia (SWA) during his active duty.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected right eye residuals is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess current visual impairment and whether there is any degree of anisocoria in his right eye.

The Veteran's combined disability rating of 70 percent from August 15, 2011 meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating. However, the Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support entitlement to a TDIU rating due to the cumulative functional impact of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic kidney disease (CKD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, but denied reopening of his claim for a skin disability.,The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension due to potential aggravation by service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, chronic kidney disease as secondary to hypertension, and impotency as secondary to hypertension have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for hypertension but denied for chronic kidney disease and impotency.