Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of aggravation of hypertension during service, and that there was no evidence to show that any other conditions claimed by the Veteran had been aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service-connected as it occurred during his military service and there is no evidence of pre-service onset or other connection to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to deficiencies in previous examinations and records. Specifically, additional medical opinions are needed regarding diabetes mellitus, a VA examination is required for the Veteran's back disability, and medical records from Pensacola Naval Hospital since September 2013 need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and dementia due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service injuries are considered.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, Dupuytren's contracture of the bilateral hands, and left eye disability due to unclear examination results and need for additional opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Appellant's contentions regarding Agent Orange exposure and its relation to the Veteran’s cause of death.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a heart condition. The claim for hypertension was granted, and initial ratings of 40 percent were assigned for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities from February 8, 2005. A TDIU was also granted effective February 8, 2005.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension was granted, with the underlying claim also being granted. The Board found that there is a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim due to new evidence showing high blood pressure readings after separation from service.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for left shoulder condition was granted, and the issue was remanded as it involves an aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The Board found that there is a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim due to new evidence showing high blood pressure readings after separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development and readjudication.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for hypertension is denied. The claim for service connection for skin cancer is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and atrial fibrillation arrhythmia due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during military service. The decision is pending further review.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for hypertension has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal before a decision was made.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not onset during or shortly after service. The Board also found no evidence of early-onset peripheral neuropathy related to service. Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding its relation to service.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, as the Board found no evidence linking his death to active service or any service-connected conditions.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was also denied due to lack of evidence showing a direct link between the condition and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension disability has increased in severity since the last VA examination, and a new evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus (DM2) with intertrigo and hypertension is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as it does not meet the criteria for a 60 percent or 100 percent rating.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available prior to January 22, 2019. The evidence does not support an increase in this rating period.,The Veteran's peripheral neuritis of the left upper extremity (LUE) and right upper extremity (RUE) have both been rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions.,SMC based on need for aid and attendance by another has not been granted.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, vision problems, and hypertension have been denied. His headaches are currently rated at 30% but the Veteran seeks a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence to make a determination on the merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depression, anxiety, and depressive disorder), left knee pain, right knee pain, right ankle pain, left ankle pain, and low back disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and inadequate medical opinions.