Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including gout affecting his ankles and knees, obstructive sleep apnea, lumbosacral degenerative discogenic disease, hypertension, eczema, left occipital neuralgia, plantar fasciitis of the left heel, osteoarthritis of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint, right thumb residual fracture fragmentation, internal hemorrhoids, and status post neoplasm excisions of the large intestine, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection of degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, gastritis, and hypertension are dismissed as they were not valid claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied as the evidence did not establish an in-service stressor event. The Board found that while the Veteran had been diagnosed with PTSD, there was insufficient evidence to corroborate the claimed events.,Service connection for hypertension due to service-connected disease or injury was also denied because the Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that an effective date of September 28, 2012 is warranted for the awards of service connection for depression and hypertension. The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for depression and hypertension are remanded due to lack of VA records.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the claim for service connection of various conditions was not filed within one year of his daughters' 18th birthdays, and thus an earlier effective date could not be granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, and his claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating for PTSD, but concluded he is unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his low back disability, an earlier effective date for the increased rating, and initial ratings and effective dates for hypertension and headaches. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported exposure to chemicals during active duty, including herbicides. The appeals are pending and will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for hypertension due to service-connected diabetes mellitus or herbicide exposure, as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases for further clarification and evaluation, including a medical opinion on the etiology of hypertension and an examination to assess the Veteran's ability to function independently due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability, major depressive disorder, and hypertension have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder) is also established.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle disorder and hypertension as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that could be linked to these conditions.

The appeals of the Veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran is granted TDIU from August 20, 2015 to February 7, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal for prior dates was denied.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and etiology opinions are needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and skin condition of both lower legs, to include varicose veins. The remand is necessary due to inadequate examination reports and potential association with herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Onychomycosis, Hypertension as secondary to Type II Diabetes Mellitus, and Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Features. The effective dates are set based on the date of receipt of claims or the date entitlement arose. Headache disorder is also granted as secondary to Adjustment Disorder.

The Veteran's appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to service connection for a disorder manifested by blood in the urine has been dismissed. The right ankle sprain residuals are rated at 20 percent, and hypertension is granted with secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's hypertension and left arm axillary scarring with limitation of motion were not granted service connection or increased rating, respectively. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the severity of the left arm condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the lack of clear evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides and possible toxic chemicals on Okinawa. The full text of relevant reports must be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to new evidence. Effective September 22, 2014, the Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD.