Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart condition, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service event or disease related to these conditions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type 2, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and cerebral vascular disease (stroke). The Board also remanded several issues related to TBI residuals, headaches, hearing loss, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim for service connection for migraine headaches was granted. Service connection for migraine headaches and hypertension, both secondary to PTSD, were also granted. The issues of service connection for right and left hip disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as erectile dysfunction, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathies. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of the Veteran's service at Fort Ord and Fort Bening, and request a VA medical opinion on the etiology of these conditions related to exposure at Fort Ord.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypercholesterolemia, hemoccult positive stool, raised eosinophil count, alcohol abuse, nuclear sclerosis cataracts, inguinal hernia, benign essential hypertension, iron deficiency anemia, seizure disorder, and congestive heart failure, cardiac pacemaker placement, and complete atrioventricular block have all been denied.,The Board found that the Veteran's hypercholesterolemia, hemoccult positive stool, and raised eosinophil count are not disabilities for which VA compensation benefits are payable as they are laboratory findings. The Veteran’s alcohol abuse claim was also denied due to his own willful misconduct.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions, including residuals of cold injury and nerve disorders. The only issue remaining is the claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension and secondary service connection for hypertensive heart disease due to incomplete records from his in-service hospitalization. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical evidence, including VA treatment records and any relevant private care providers.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to incomplete records and the need for clarification of the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence received, but the specific conditions and theories of service connection remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a cervical disorder and a rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder tendonitis have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding service connection for bilateral knee disorders and a compensable rating for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of vertigo has been reopened, granted, and a new rating of 10 percent for hypertension is restored. The initial compensable evaluation for hyperhidrosis was denied. The reduction from 20 to 10 percent for hypertension needs further review.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at a 50 percent rating, effective November 5, 2019.,A higher rating for degenerative joint disease of the neck is denied. The Veteran's hypertension is now rated at 10 percent, effective September 3, 2013.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection of hypertension, left ankle disability, and right thumb disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses are found to be at least in equipoise with respect to their onset during active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and hypertension due to a need for additional information from service department records.

The claims for service connection on accrued benefits purposes are being remanded due to the need for additional information and evidence.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for tinnitus is dismissed.,The Veteran’s claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), a neck condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, right arm condition, hypertension, low back condition, and bilateral foot condition are remanded.,The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal of the increased rating for tinnitus. The claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted a 20% rating from December 29, 2011 to June 27, 2018. His keratolysis of the hands received a 10% rating since June 1, 1999 and remains unchanged.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, but remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension due to incomplete VA treatment records and need for an addendum opinion.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of May 3, 2004 for the grant of service connection for hypertension with a 10 percent evaluation.