Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam is related to his current condition.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, cataracts, and hypertension. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for hypertension and service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder were dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board found that a timely substantive appeal was not received for the July 2004 rating decision, which denied service connection for several conditions and granted service connection for other conditions. The Board also addressed whether there were new and material evidence to reopen claims related to existing service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disability, sleep problems/sleep apnea, and heart condition are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for several service connection claims, including those related to PTSD, hypertension, heart condition, back condition, right hip condition, left hip condition, bilateral feet peripheral neuropathy, and monoclonal gammopathy. The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for clarification of medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for back condition, left ankle injury, hypertension, and sleep disorder due to outstanding medical records and further examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, while his sleep apnea claim is denied. The right and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cirrhosis of the liver and hypertension were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the cirrhosis to Agent Orange exposure or diabetes mellitus, and that the hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension were previously denied, but reopened due to new evidence. The claim for OSA is remanded as the VA examiner's opinion did not address secondary service connection.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded because the VA examiner’s opinion does not adequately address whether it is related to PTSD.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and hypertension. The Board found that the Veteran had active service in the Republic of Vietnam and established a causal nexus between his active service and his death due to diabetes. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death is granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus or diabetic nephropathy due to incomplete development of evidence and need for a new VA opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension, tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. The left knee disability appeal is dismissed due to lack of a timely notice of disagreement. Service connection for other conditions remains pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, hypertension, a low back condition, and headaches should be remanded due to potential missing VA treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it due to lack of allegations of errors in fact or law.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, allergies (including allergic rhinitis), a low back disability, and a left wrist disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a cervical spine condition, variously diagnosed as cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical spondylosis, and cervical stenosis. The decision dismisses appeals regarding hypertension and osteopenia.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, cervical spondylosis, and left shoulder arthritis are all granted as service connected.,The Veteran's hypertension is also granted as service connected. The rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis and the rating for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome remain pending due to remand.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed hypertension. The examiner was instructed to provide a medical opinion addressing service connection on both a direct and secondary basis, including whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their medication have aggravated his hypertension. As there has not been substantial compliance with the previous remand directives, the case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of pulmonary hypertension has been dismissed due to their passing away.