Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease and PTSD is granted, while his claims for high cholesterol, hypertension, prostate disorder, respiratory disorder, skin disorder, right foot disability, and left foot disability are remanded.

Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus type II and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.,Service connection is denied for a respiratory disorder. Service connection is remanded for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and skin cancers (claimed as soft tissue sarcoma).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and its relationship to service-connected conditions. The VA will obtain additional records, conduct an addendum examination, and provide a more detailed opinion on these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for postoperative residuals of lung abscess with COPD, as well as his claim for TDIU due to incomplete medical opinions provided in previous examinations. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to outstanding service personnel records and treatment records. A VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension and periodontal disease for further development to determine their etiology, including whether they are related to service-connected conditions or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's fracture of the L3 transverse process is rated at 20 percent. Service connection for other conditions, including a separate lumbosacral spine disability and peripheral vascular disabilities, are denied. Other service-connected issues remain pending.

The Board has dismissed the claim for an earlier effective date for bilateral upper extremities neuropathy. The hypertension claim is remanded due to new evidence and need for a new opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee, right hip, and left hip disorders as secondary to service-connected disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions in the March 2017 VA examination. The Veteran's hypertension and CAD are also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension. The claims for service connection for OSA and ED, both secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, were denied.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and kidney condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a chest rash, a right knee disorder, and hypertension as the evidence does not support a nexus to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for high blood pressure, excessive sweating (night sweats), sleep apnea, type II diabetes mellitus, and lower back disability. These claims are now addressed on their merits.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issues of hypertension (secondary to depressive disorder) and right ear hearing loss. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran was previously denied TDIU for the period prior to March 26, 2009 due to lack of schedular criteria. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from engaging in gainful employment during this time.,For the period from March 26, 2009 to September 11, 2012, the Veteran was granted TDIU as his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his military service, including his exposure to herbicides. An additional VA examination and medical opinion are needed.

The Board has granted service connection for a kidney disability and a heart disability, finding that the Veteran's in-service symptoms were likely manifestations of underlying conditions that resulted in his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and PTSD due to potential service connection issues, including a need for additional medical opinions regarding the onset of hypertension and its relationship to service-connected PTSD.