Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than March 10, 2015 for the grant of service connection for circadian rhythm sleep wake disorder with delayed sleep phase (CRSWD) is not warranted. The Veteran's initial claim was received on March 10, 2015 and he did not demonstrate entitlement to an earlier effective date based on a reopened claim or CUE. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and circadian rhythm sleep wake disorder with delayed sleep phase (CRSWD) due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disease, but finds that further development is needed as new evidence received since the December 2009 rating decision relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hypertension, OSA, and PTSD. However, it denied the claims for a back disorder, right shoulder disorder, insomnia, and PTSD due to lack of evidence establishing a direct or secondary relationship with service.

The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is granted a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues are either denied or remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of hypertension, TDIU, and rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of bilateral knees and ankles, a low back condition including arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of service connection for these conditions are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnosis to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also found that the preexisting condition did not permanently increase in severity during two additional periods of active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and clarification of several issues, including service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, right wrist joint pain, left knee chondromalacia of patella, right knee chondromalacia of patella, and left ankle sprain are granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension is also granted service connection. However, the issues of higher initial ratings for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, non-migraine headaches, PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse disorder, TDIU prior to June 3, 2013, and special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria prior to June 3, 2013 are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from October 22, 2010. The Board found that his conditions, including low back disability and polyneuropathy, made it necessary for him to have regular assistance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was granted effective January 7, 2016. The date entitlement arose for this condition is determined to be 2003.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension due to incomplete evidence. The Veteran's medical records from various hospitals need to be obtained.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right hallux valgus, finding that it is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left foot disability. The case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that his service-connected PTSD and asbestos-related pulmonary disease were not contributory causes of his death. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that these conditions caused or aggravated his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for retinopathy, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), and diabetes mellitus, type II due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune. Further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for protein in urine, hyperlipidemia, frostbite of the left hand, left foot, and right foot have been dismissed. The claim for service connection for hyperlipidemia has been denied as it is not a disability for which VA compensation benefits are payable.,Service connection for frostbite of the right hand was denied. Service connection for left knee disorder, cervical disorder, liver disorder, albumin (as secondary to liver disorder), hypertension, Lyme disease, and gout were all remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to missing records from the Moncrief Army Medical Center. Additionally, an SOC is needed on issues of increased ratings for knee conditions, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and service connection for hammertoes, sleep apnea, toe fungus, sinusitis, rhinitis, hearing loss, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, left forearm disability, right shoulder disability, and right forearm disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected disabilities due to new evidence indicating that his symptoms have worsened since the last VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims are granted for osteoarthritis of the shoulders, knees, OSA, hypertension, CHF, diabetes, and PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for hypertension due to a lack of VA compensation examination and outstanding records. The Veteran's lay assertions and medical evidence supporting his claim will be considered, including his statements about being diagnosed with hypertension shortly after discharge.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection was granted for a left eye disorder, but denied for right shoulder condition, lower back condition, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.