Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded several claims, including those related to the Veteran's right knee disability, back disability, TBI, respiratory disability, headache disability, left forearm scar, hypertension, bilateral shoulder disorder, neck disorder, bilateral foot disorder, right hip disorder, chest disorder, and bilateral foot fungus. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records from VA facilities and any private providers.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to his active service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran’s conditions to his presumed exposure to contaminated water.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is dismissed as the AOJ has already granted service connection for this condition.,Service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and arteriosclerosis of the upper and lower extremities are denied due to lack of evidence of current disabilities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of personal assistance from others, and the Board has determined that he qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for an updated VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his condition.,The issue of service connection for peripheral radiculopathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities is being remanded due to inadequate previous VA examination results.,An additional medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's major depressive disorder, as well as whether it is aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded because there is evidence suggesting a link to military service or a service-connected disability.,A VA examination in conjunction with this claim is needed due to the Veteran's cervical spine disability possibly having been caused by his active service.,The Veteran's skin disability is being remanded for an additional VA examination and opinion regarding its etiology, given conflicting evidence from different medical professionals.,Service connection for high blood pressure is being remanded because it has not yet been adjudicated due to pending SSA benefits determination.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded as well.,Service connection for hypercholesterolemia is being remanded, with a request for additional evidence from Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability benefits.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral leg condition and a bilateral hand condition, but granted service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, and sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder.,The Veteran was also granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and will seek further opinions regarding service connection for hypertension, including exposure to herbicides, and whether obesity is caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for other specified anxiety disorder is granted. Claims for PTSD, depression, and hypertension are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension is denied, and the effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied prior to August 9, 2011.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder is granted, but hypertension service connection is denied as there was no diagnosis until after retirement.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of its origination within one year after his separation from service.,An initial disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and left foot calcaneal spur, hypertension, and an increased rating for a lower back condition are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, chloracne, hypertension, and depression. The cases are remanded for further development regarding in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his time in service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and herbicide exposure, as well as secondary service connection for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a heart disorder and remanded it for further development, including verification of service periods and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee conditions, as well as residuals of a left knee replacement. The claims for hypertension, headaches, bruxism, TMJ disorder, and sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has remanded several issues including the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, with a focus on obtaining additional medical opinions to address potential secondary service connections and the nature of his kidney disability. The Veteran is also required to provide VA examination records.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty in the VA examiner's competence regarding cardiology and a need for further development, including obtaining medical opinions.