Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of gastrointestinal condition, other than neurogenic incontinence and hypertension have been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection of neurogenic stool incontinence has been granted with a non-compensable rating. Service connection for bilateral varicoceles is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not established.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for OSA, hypertension, and headaches have been withdrawn. The claims of higher disability ratings for bilateral knee instability, left knee retropatellar pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis, and cervical spine degenerative disc disease are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete records, including an EKG and echocardiogram. The Veteran's heart conditions, including carotid heart disease and hypertension, need further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, OSA, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia, hypertension, fatigue, and joint pain were denied as they are not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless or confined to his dwelling that he needs regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome is rated at 30% since the entire period on appeal. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (back disability) was initially rated at 40%, effective October 8, 2019 and denied for evaluation in excess of 40%. He also has hypertension which is rated at 10%.,The Veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral eye disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and lung hypertension due to in-service boxing injuries. Additional development is required as VA medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's lay statements and in-service head injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and hypertension due to incomplete service treatment records. The RO must obtain all available service treatment records, including those from Schofield Barracks Infirmary in Hawaii from 1976. Addendum opinions are required regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension due to herbicide exposure as there is an inadequate medical opinion and further evidence is needed.

Service connection is granted for hypertension, and the case is remanded for further evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disability due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the onset of symptoms and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA) need to be verified, and additional opinions are needed regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, finding that these conditions did not manifest during or are otherwise related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and a heart disability due to incomplete examination and conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran's blood pressure readings from June 1997 to October 1997 are being reviewed by an examiner to determine if they meet the criteria for hypertension.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his period of service, and therefore, service connection for tinnitus is denied.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left upper extremity neuropathy. Service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy is not warranted.,For the period prior to May 29, 2018, the Veteran's left elbow disability manifested in arthritis with normal range of motion and no pain on examination. A noncompensable rating is appropriate from that time. From May 29, 2018, a 10 percent rating is appropriate for limitation of flexion.,For the period prior to May 29, 2018, the Veteran's left elbow disability manifested in arthritis with normal range of motion and no pain on examination. A noncompensable rating is appropriate from that time. From May 29, 2018, a noncompensable rating is appropriate for limitation of extension.,Service connection for arthritis (claimed as gout) is remanded.,Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded.,Service connection for residuals of TBI is remanded.,Service connection for headache is remanded.,Service connection for a vision disability is remanded.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are granted service connection. The left knee disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 15, 2015 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% disability rating for anxiety disorder with PTSD. The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left knee condition, right knee condition, heart condition, and hypertension due to unresolved issues regarding their onset during active duty.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service. The cataracts are not service-connected, and the Board found no evidence of aggravation by diabetes mellitus.