Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, which includes the use of a CPAP machine. The appeal for COPD and thoracic spine disability is dismissed as service connection has already been established. Lumbar strain and radiculopathy are denied due to lack of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. Blepharitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication for control and is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran has a painful scar associated with her cholecystectomy, status post cholelithiasis, which is rated at 10 percent. The Veteran seeks an initial rating higher than 10 percent for this condition.,The Veteran's right knee disability requires additional development as the most recent VA examination does not comply with the Court’s holding in Sharp v. Shulkin.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, IBS, hypertension, and low back disability have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims.,For sinusitis, the claim was previously denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment. The new evidence does not provide a clear link between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development on multiple issues, including service connection claims and evaluations for various disabilities. The initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 11, 2016 has been denied, as well as an evaluation in excess of 10 percent from that date onwards. Service connection for several disabilities is also denied.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying the Veteran's alleged herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and prostate cancer, both presumed due to in-service herbicide exposure. Service connection for hypertension is remanded as the VA examiner must provide an opinion on whether it was related to service-connected diabetes mellitus or in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection claims for back disability, left eye disability, hypertension, respiratory disability (due to presumed Camp Lejeune exposure), and diabetes mellitus was granted. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right eye injury and hyperphoria, left hip injury, bilateral glaucoma, bilateral flat feet condition, and hypertension due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for throat and mouth cancer and hypertension due to concerns about the adequacy of previous opinions and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death, and no service connection decisions were made.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and no increased rating is warranted.,Hypertension has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent evaluation. The Veteran does not have diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.,Diabetes mellitus type II currently rated as 20 percent disabling; no increased rating is warranted based on the current evidence of record.,Left shoulder impingement syndrome with arthritis post-arthroscopy has been increased to a 20 percent evaluation effective December 6, 2017. No further increase in rating is warranted at this time.,Cervical spine arthritis has been increased to a 10 percent evaluation effective December 6, 2017. No further increase in rating is warranted at this time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is granted as there is evidence of a current diagnosis, in-service incurrence, and no affirmative evidence to rebut the presumption of chronicity.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance was granted from September 19, 2013 to September 29, 2018. The claim for a compensable rating for tinea versicolor prior to April 29, 2019 is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to a lack of current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to his active service.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), and sleep disorder.

The Board vacated the June 2019 decision and granted service connection for hypertension. The effective dates for other conditions were denied.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection and rating for the Veteran's conditions due to their death.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for various conditions as they are not eligible due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left leg disability, headaches, and hypertension due to insufficient medical evidence in the record. The Veteran is required to provide a VA examination to address his service connection claims.