Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service or any service-connected disability. The appellant did not provide sufficient medical evidence to support her claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations. The effective date of service connection for diabetes is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain with disc disease and traumatic arthritis, as well as claims for service connection for various conditions, were denied. The Veteran was also denied a temporary total evaluation for his right shoulder disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his hypertension, which began in service, substantially contributed to his severe coronary artery disease and subsequent heart attack.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to work and his medical conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy have been rated based on their individual effects. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and effective date determinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection based on his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and left foot disorder have been granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board has remanded this issue for further development.,Tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lung disability, hypertension, and kidney disease. The lung disability was not related to service or asbestos exposure. Hypertension did not manifest within one year after separation from service. Kidney disease also lacked a causal link to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is due to in-service herbicide exposure and has been granted service connection.

The Board has reopened the claims for hypertension, hydronephrosis, and limpomas, to include cysts due to new and material evidence. The erectile dysfunction claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease are remanded as additional evidence is needed. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions and finds no evidence to support service connection for these disorders.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, and rating in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on loss of use is also remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and unspecified depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, have been granted. The remaining issues are either denied or remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is granted at a 100% rating effective January 30, 2017. Service connection for Parkinsonism and hypertension are also granted, with the former being secondary to bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a thyroidectomy and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II is denied. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension due to potential issues with evidence and need for further examination.