Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, hypertension, and tinnitus. The appeal for service connection of headaches is being remanded.,The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish service connection for his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition has been remanded due to the lack of new and material evidence.,The request for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied as there was no communication or submission of evidence from the Veteran indicating intent to apply for benefits prior to May 28, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been remanded due to a lack of examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition has been remanded due to a lack of examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.

The Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, is related to his military service and has been granted.,An initial evaluation of 10 percent for hypertension has also been granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further development, including an examination to determine if it is related to exposure to herbicide agents and/or secondary to service-connected PTSD and diabetes.

The Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for hypertension is dismissed. His application to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted, and he is now service connected for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and the need for further evidentiary development.

The Veteran's hypertension and left knee degenerative changes were denied service connection. The increased ratings for the left knee prior to July 19, 2017 and since that date were also denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension, initial disability rating for depression and dysthymic disorder, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).,Service connection for hypertension was not granted due to lack of in-service diagnosis or manifestation within a presumptive period. The Veteran's right leg varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency were found not to be related to his hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives, including verifying exposure to hazardous chemicals and radiation during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent since January 17, 2019. The appeal for higher ratings on this issue and service connection for other conditions are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, back disability, and skin disability due to herbicide exposure. The claims are being reviewed again as there is insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,Ear infections and vertigo are also being remanded for further development as the VA examiner’s opinion is insufficient.,Tuberculosis, COPD, and hypertension secondary to PTSD/Hypothyroidism are being remanded due to incomplete or conflicting evidence.,Hypertension is being remanded because of a lack of information regarding fuel fume exposure in service.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence linking it to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the cases of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, murmur, and myalgia for further development as they are not currently service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and a heart condition, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his left knee strain, hypertension, and tinea pedis. Issues regarding service connection for salivary gland disorder, right knee pain, and rating increases are also pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, cataracts, hypertension, and excessive urination due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees, cardiac murmur, and hypertension has been denied. The Board has found that there is no evidence to support these claims.,Regarding an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include chronic anxiety and PTSD), the Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for right knee and left shoulder disabilities. The issues of service connection for a left knee disability, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral foot disorder, and hypertension are remanded.