Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's asthma was granted service connection as it is presumed to have existed prior to service and not aggravated by service. Other claims for various conditions were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for hypertension as it requires additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as service-connected due to herbicide agent exposure. The issues of peripheral neuropathy and hypertension are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, TBI, neck disability, migraine and/or tension headaches, low back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The reasons provided include a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any in-service injury. The Board has also noted that there is no continuous symptomatology for hypertension within one year of discharge.,The Veteran's claims for TBI, neck disability, migraine and/or tension headaches, low back disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded as the Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The VA needs to obtain records from Dr. Hanley and provide a supplemental medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and need for updated VA treatment records. The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, either directly related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected CAD and/or hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension but has remanded the issue of service connection for heart disability, as no VA examiner has provided an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's heart disability is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection for type II diabetes mellitus (DM) is granted. The issues of secondary service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension had its onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issues of increased ratings for cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and scars of the right and left shoulders are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinus bradycardia was reopened, and a TDIU rating is granted effective June 7, 2017. The claims for hypertension, anemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, erectile dysfunction, and right hip scar were dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hypertension is denied, but he was granted a 10 percent rating for his bilateral plantar fasciitis. The effective date of the increased rating remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension but has remanded the issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn for hemorrhoids, shortness of breath as the result of chemical exposure, and a compensable rating for scar, left ring finger. The hypertension claim has been reopened due to new evidence supporting its connection to service-connected conditions or Agent Orange exposure. The loss of use in the Veteran’s left arm is not due to a service connected disability. The claims for lumbar facet degenerative changes, carotid artery blockage, and scar on chest are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hypertension is remanded due to the lack of recent VA examination and outdated medical evidence. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination to determine his current level of disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as not related to service, and his claim for an increased rating for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected PTSD, but the issues of hypertension and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to service, secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD), or aggravated by CAD.

The claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to asbestos exposure is dismissed. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right leg injury, high blood pressure as a result of asbestos exposure, neuropathy of the left upper extremity, neuropathy of the right upper extremity, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and neuropathy of the right lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension, which requires continuous medication for control and has a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, is granted a 10 percent rating.