Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his in-service herbicide exposure. Additional medical records and an updated opinion are needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified insomnia disorder is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, heart blockage, hypertension, and skin rashes are dismissed.

The Veteran's hypertension and right toe disability are being remanded for further development to clarify the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's back disability, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.,A current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes has not been shown.,The Veteran’s tinnitus, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.,The competent and credible evidence does not reflect a diagnosis of cataracts.,The Veteran's hypertension, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.,The competent and credible evidence does not reflect a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia.,The competent and credible evidence does not reflect a diagnosis of a sinus disability.,The Veteran’s thyroid disability, not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service, is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of the Veteran's increase in blood pressure during active service and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and to obtain his complete service personnel records. The issues of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, heart disorder (CAD), hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to Agent Orange or contaminated water during his military service, and the preexisting hypertension condition did not worsen during service. The Veteran's diabetes condition also could not be linked to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, allergies, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as major depressive disorder), and hypertension have been remanded. The reduction from a 10 percent to a zero percent rating for radiculopathy, left lower extremity effective June 23, 2015 was improper.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the Board found no link between his service and the conditions that caused his death.

The Veteran's right knee sprain and hypertension are currently rated at 10% each, but the Board found that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, and erectile dysfunction due to an inability to schedule VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's service dates and training status, particularly for his right knee injury in July 2009.

The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as per VA regulations, and therefore his initial claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for punji stick wound, with associated scar, of the right calf muscle has been withdrawn. The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected. The issues of service connection for acquired mental health condition and migraine headaches are remanded.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for left ankle ankylosis and has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, compensable ratings for hypertension and associated epistaxis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, dental disability, vision disability, headaches, low back disability, and neurological disability due to failure to report for VA examinations. The issues are being remanded for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to congestive heart failure, which is attributed to hypertension. The remand requires additional medical opinions regarding whether service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to cause death and if nonservice-connected hypertension was aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and a right leg injury due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand instructions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection and increased rating issues. The Veteran's hypertension, headaches, sinus disorder, bronchitis, left knee disability, right knee disability, and right ankle disability are all being reviewed.