Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The claims for service connection for defective vision; presbyopia, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as mental health condition) to include PTSD are granted.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU for the period prior to September 14, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.,As of September 14, 2017, the issue of TDIU is moot as the Veteran's combined schedular rating is now at 100 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for heart disability, hypertension, and Parkinson's disease due to lack of information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability remains denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's high blood pressure, including whether it is related to his service-connected disabilities or presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development related to his right shoulder disability, hypertension, and low back disability. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and an effective date prior to April 14, 2014 for the grant of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae are also being addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, an eye condition including cataracts and glaucoma, and hypertension with a history of cerebrovascular accident have been granted.,An effective date earlier than June 2, 2014 is denied for the award of service connection for surgical scar status post colectomy.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and headache condition are all granted as service-connected.,A 70 percent initial rating is granted for PTSD from December 11, 2014. The effective date of this grant is denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from December 11, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and right-ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for left-ear hearing loss, a cardiac disorder, and hypertension. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and post-service symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including gout, kidney disease, depression, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's foot disability, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all remanded for further examination and opinion. The issues of service connection for these conditions will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and high blood pressure. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have not been met.,High blood pressure was noted during separation but no current diagnosis is provided in the record.

The Veteran's migraines are related to her service-connected PTSD, and the Board grants service connection for migraines.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected issues, including right knee and left knee disorders, PTSD, hypertension, anemia, and hernia disorder. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a left leg amputation and diabetes mellitus with extensive diabetic autonomic neuropathy affecting his nerves, preclude him from independent locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that his acute myocardial infarction was not incurred as a result of active duty service and is not related to any incident or condition in service. The criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1318 or 1151 have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD) were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely attributable to his active service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a skin disorder of the hands (claimed as a skin rash on hands), and therefore denial of service connection for this issue.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was granted effective January 2, 2017. The Board denied an earlier effective date due to lack of formal or informal claims prior to March 24, 2015.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50% and his hypertension, though not service-connected, was found to have contributed to his death. Service connection for the cause of death due to hypertension has been denied.