Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for HTN, a compensable rating for ED, and a compensable rating for left testicular torsion with complete atrophy. The Board found that there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology or direct service connection for HTN, and noted that the Veteran’s current ED is compensated by SMC. For the left testicular torsion, the Board found no evidence of atrophy or removal of both testes.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic sleep disorder, respiratory disorders, hypertension, migraine headaches, and bilateral hip disorders. These issues are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations. The claims are now pending and need further development.

The Veteran's hypertension has been manifested by a requirement for continuous medication, but not to the extent that it meets the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's hypertension was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to June 30, 2018. The claim is being remanded as there are outstanding medical records that need to be obtained.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition, hypertension, bilateral knee conditions, left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, left elbow condition, right elbow condition, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, and left and right knee conditions. The new evidence submitted since previous denials is considered material as it relates to the basis of the prior final denial.

The Board has ordered the AOJ to obtain opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are aggravated by his service-connected PTSD or due to Agent Orange exposure. The opinions must be based on a thorough review of the claims file, including all relevant medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his in-service herbicide exposure. The VA must obtain a new medical opinion on this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to irritation of the sciatic nerve, calcium deposit on the sciatic nerve causing right leg and hip pain, right hip disability, and lumbar spine disability are not properly before it due to a lack of competent medical evidence associating these conditions with his active duty military service or another service-connected disability.

The claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not made a final determination on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for hypertension has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her claimed conditions and their relationship to Gulf War service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and entitlement to TDIU prior to October 24, 2005 were both denied. The Board found that there was no competent medical evidence suggesting that the Veteran’s hypertension was caused or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disability, urinary disability, testicular disability, respiratory disability, right shoulder disability, right and left heel disabilities, post-operative hernia residuals, sleep disability (insomnia), E. coli infection residuals, and a disability manifested by obesity. The issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for seborrheic dermatitis, thyroid disorder, erectile dysfunction, acquired psychiatric disorder, and hypertension have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that it is related to the Veteran's in-service herbicide agent exposure. The decision is based on a change in classification of hypertension from 'limited or suggestive' to 'sufficient' evidence of an association with herbicide exposure by the National Academy of Sciences.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for organic heart disease, hypertension, and paralysis with drooping of the left side of face (Bell's Palsy) are being remanded due to new evidence submitted since previous denials. The Board is seeking clarification on the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s heart disabilities and their relationship to his service-connected valvular heart disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sarcoidosis and hypertension are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The Board requires an examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, including consideration of her in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and lumbar spine disability due to lack of a supplemental examination, and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical records and a review of existing ones. The Veteran's conditions include bilateral flat feet, knee issues, neck pain, high blood pressure, stomach problems, diabetes, headaches, nerve disorders in various extremities, all potentially related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.