Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for high blood pressure, heart disability associated with herbicide exposure, and PTSD have been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The rating for PTSD remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), restless leg syndrome, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,The Veteran's PTSD is not considered related to in-service stressors as he did not provide information about the events or situations that could be considered stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension as secondary to her service-connected migraine headaches. The issue of an increased rating for migraine headaches was dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination closer to his home.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension and dermatitis was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection for either condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a skin condition, alcoholism secondary to PTSD, and trypanophobia are all denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than service-connected PTSD is also denied.

The Board is unable to make a decision on the service connection claims for hypertension, kidney failure, and blackouts due to lack of an opinion regarding their relationship to in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran's records may be incomplete and further examination is needed.

An effective date of August 21, 1997 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board finds that there is no evidence linking his cause of death to his military service.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for hypertension is granted. Service connection for hypertension is also granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of diastolic pressure 100 or more that requires continuous medication for control. Therefore, the claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for poor eyesight, bilateral arthritis, unspecified, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension (high blood pressure), sexual dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus have been dismissed or are pending due to the need for further examination. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for hypertension due to inadequate development and compliance with duty to assist. The Veteran's hypertension is related to his presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension, as these conditions may be related to his in-service exposure to pesticides, insecticides, and commercial herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes due to herbicide agent exposure is granted. The claims for service connection for a back disability, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse disorder), and hypertension are all remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication but does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with herniated disc.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issue of service connection for breast cancer due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to toxic chemicals during service.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to service-connected conditions, and the Board found that his congestive heart failure was not caused by or aggravated by service. The VA examiner's post-mortem analysis concluded that the cause of death was less likely than not incurred in or by an in-service injury, event or illness.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Veteran's OSA is also service connected.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and readjudication due to new evidence received since the last statement of the case.