Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and polyps of the esophagus are remanded due to new evidence supporting his exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.,Specifically, the Board determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension and degenerative spondylolisthesis did not have a direct link to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, multi-myeloma cancer, and hypertension due to additional development being required. Specifically, further verification of in-service exposure to ALUMIPREP or Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is needed, as well as an etiology opinion regarding the relationship between these conditions and his time in service.

Service connection for loss of teeth is denied as there was no in-service injury or disease resulting in the condition.,Service connection for sleep apnea secondary to major depression disorder is granted based on medical opinions supporting a link between the conditions.,Service connection for hypertension (HTN) secondary to major depression disorder is granted based on medical opinions and the Veteran's history of chronic pain from his knee disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for elevated cholesterol. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, and headaches have been remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension and remanded his claims for increased evaluations of his neck and low back disabilities. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional evidence regarding his left sciatic nerve disability.

The Board has determined that new VA opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, heart disability, chronic kidney disease/renal insufficiency, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and loss of use of a creative organ. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has decided some of the Veteran's claims and remanded others for further development. The claims that were decided include a denial of an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, a remand for service connection regarding chest pain, and remands for ratings on bilateral pes planus, hypertension, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives and insufficient examination opinions. The Veteran's respiratory conditions are being reviewed again, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service due to herbicide exposure, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and service connection have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.,Her claim for new and material evidence to reopen a previously denied chest pain claim has been granted, but the case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional records and VA examinations. The claims include service connection for various conditions based on new evidence, as well as issues related to a right knee injury, head injury, GERD, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for residuals of a left wrist fracture, residuals of a right collarbone fracture, and a compensable rating for hypertension prior to April 4, 2016, and in excess of 10 percent disabling thereafter. The appeal regarding service connection for residuals of a left collarbone fracture is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with substitution and accrued benefits claims, which are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death. The claim will be further developed by the RO.

An effective date of October 9, 2014 is granted for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the remaining issues due to outstanding treatment records.

The Board denied entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that his death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The case will be reviewed again with an addendum opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and requires further examination.