Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no in-service injury or disease of high blood pressure and that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran’s hypertension is related to active service. The Board also found that it was less likely than not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for higher evaluations and earlier effective dates for service-connected disabilities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for glaucoma, sleep apnea, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and kidney disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected lupus erythematosis and related hypertension contributed substantially or materially to his death from cerebral infarction.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension are both rated at the lowest possible level (noncompensable) due to their current severity. However, a separate 10 percent rating is granted for hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no in-service incurrence or event related to the current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, right knee disability, and right shoulder disability require additional development due to incomplete medical records and lack of consideration of the Veteran's reports of in-service aggravation.

The Board's decision to remand several issues has been vacated due to the Veteran's participation in VA’s RAMP program, which removed jurisdiction from the Board.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100% rating, and the issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of hypertension and epididymitis, as well as his claim to reopen the tuberculosis service connection issue, have been dismissed due to withdrawal requests from the Veteran.,The Veteran's appeal regarding cold injury residuals of the feet was also dismissed. The Board found that no new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen this previously denied claim.

The Veteran's marginal employment and the severity of his nonservice-connected disabilities were not fully evaluated, necessitating further development.

The Veteran's claims for cardiomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly, and deviated septum were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these issues.,Tinnitus was granted service connection based on in-service noise exposure and current symptomatology.,An acquired psychiatric disability (depression) was granted service connection due to in-service experiences and post-deployment health re-assessment reports.,Allergic rhinitis was granted service connection based on in-service symptoms and current diagnosis.,Hypertension was granted service connection as it began during active duty, with evidence of elevated blood pressure readings.,Varicocele was granted service connection due to a left varicocele noted at separation and subsequent CT scan showing the condition.,A skin disability (eczema and cellulitis) was granted service connection based on in-service rashes and current diagnosis.,Gastrointestinal disability (hiatal hernia and diverticulosis) was granted service connection due to symptoms beginning during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for hypertension from March 5, 2015 to May 31, 2018 is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and a disability manifested by bilateral leg pain due to secondary to his service-connected PTSD with TBI. These issues require further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumptively related to in-service herbicide exposure. The issue of service connection for the left ankle condition is remanded due to lack of a complete Notice of Disagreement and potential nexus between current disability and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension due to a lack of service treatment records. The VA is required to provide an examination where the information and evidence of record does not contain sufficient competent medical evidence to decide the claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for chronic renal disease with hypertension associated with diabetes mellitus was denied.,A higher rating for the Veteran's chronic renal disease with hypertension was remanded by the Board.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection as it was diagnosed within one year of separation from active duty. Service connection for sleep apnea and its aggravation by PTSD are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's hypertension, BPH, and colon polyps were not incurred during service or due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gout, eye disability, asthma, hypertension, stomach disability, TBI, and headaches have been denied. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for TBI and headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disorder, right knee disorder, and left ankle disorder have been denied. The Board has remanded these issues.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is also remanded.