Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents, as well as his claim for an increased rating for PTSD and cognitive disorder. The appeals are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, neck disability, and hypertension were previously denied. New evidence has reopened the claims for these conditions, but not for hypertension.,Service connection was granted for sleep apnea as secondary to major depressive disorder, and headaches as secondary to major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head trauma and PTSD have been successfully reopened, and both conditions are now considered well-grounded. The remaining issues related to the lumbar spine, neurological condition, right knee, thoracic rib area, hip conditions, hearing loss, heart condition/murmur, and high blood pressure remain denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected. His hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded due to the failure to obtain updated medical records from VA and private providers. The AOJ must attempt to obtain these records before readjudicating the case.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, but denied service connection for hypertension and a back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records that have not yet been associated with the claims file.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction, as they are related to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The decision will be reconsidered with new evidence or examinations.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions due to outstanding records and additional development needed, including verification of stressors and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral knee disabilities, and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has granted service connection for nasal obstruction and chronic sinusitis. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease (cardiovascular), and hypertension are remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

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

The Veteran's claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is denied as the evidence does not show that BPH was incurred during active duty service, was otherwise related to active duty service, or was caused by his service-connected prostate cancer.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient nexus opinions provided in the June 2019 VA examination. The examiner did not provide a clear opinion regarding whether hypertension was related to herbicide agent exposure or service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a new opinion considering findings from the Federal Register regarding PTSD and hypertension.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if the appellant requires aid and assistance due to her disabilities, which may affect her need for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has worsened since the last VA examination in January 2012, and a new examination is needed to assess its current severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and the need for additional examinations. The issues include service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, knee injuries, foot conditions, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for hypertension and left knee disability. The cases are remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for hypertension. The case is now remanded for further action, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding whether the appellant's hypertension is at least as likely as not related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents.