Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and acid reflux. The issues of increased rating for PTSD prior to June 11, 2020, and in excess of 70 percent after June 11, 2020, are remanded.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected as the cause of death listed on his death certificate (possible aspiration due to advanced dementia) is not related to service or a service-connected disability. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied. The Board finds that the stressor event could not be corroborated, and thus there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed in-service stressor and the current diagnosis of PTSD. The claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to insufficient development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, finding that it did not onset in or within a year of service and was not caused by his service-connected hypertension and/or arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The Veteran's asthma claim has been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the hypertension, arthritis of the bilateral hands, and arthritis of the bilateral feet claims for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder other than residuals of coarctation of the aorta, to include hypertension, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, aortic valve disease, and left ventricular hypertrophy; and for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for surgical residuals of coarctation of the aorta. The remand requires additional development including obtaining expert medical opinions on heart disorders other than residuals of coarctation of the aorta.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety and depressive disorder, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension. The decision is based on evidence that supports a finding of a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including evaluations and service connection determinations. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being remanded to consider additional factors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and atrial fibrillation due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis and hypertension due to insufficient evidence in the record, including a lack of a VA examination addressing all relevant service treatment records and a need for authorization from private medical providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal disability due to incomplete VA examination reports and the need for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for back problems, left shoulder replacement, right hip replacement, left hip replacement, left knee replacement, and high blood pressure. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded due to a lack of VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cardiovascular disability other than hypertension and atypical chest pain have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no medical evidence of a chronic condition in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The Board also found that the current diagnosis of hypertension was not related to any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions. The Board also found insufficient medical nexus to support a secondary service connection claim.,There is no direct evidence linking the current hypertension and sleep apnea to service, nor sufficient medical opinion supporting their onset as being related to the Veteran's service-connected CAD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence.,Right ear hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected coronary artery disease, including potential exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's hypertension, which requires continuous medication for control throughout the appeal period, is granted a rating of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions and need for additional evidence. The issues include psychiatric disorders, hypertension, and stroke.