Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

Service connection for kidney disease, gout, sleep apnea (SA), and hypertension are granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. A rating higher than 20 percent for DMII is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back disorder, viral disorder, bilateral eye disorder, bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and right testicle disorder. The claims for bruxism and hypertension have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus Type II is reopened. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for soft tissue sarcoma of the chest, arms and back due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral localized degenerative joint disease with bruxism and service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has ordered the Board to remand the case due to an error in determining the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his service in Panama. The CAVC found that the Board incorrectly stated there were no duty assignments in Panama and thus wrongfully concluded the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation and opinion regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension has not been evaluated at a higher rating since 2016. The Board is remanding the case to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for renal condition, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and bilateral knee disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.,These issues are being remanded as there is insufficient evidence to make a determination on their merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, COPD, and myocardial infarction, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure or a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, an upper and lower back disorder, hypertension, and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected psychoneurosis, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD were denied. Service connection was also denied for hypertension, a heart condition, and residuals of a stroke due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's August 2009 Notice of Disagreement was timely in appealing the July 2009 denial of service connection for hypertension. The issue is being remanded to provide an SOC and allow the Veteran to perfect his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 17, 2004 for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from October 15, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of hypertension has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection on secondary basis is remanded due to failure to comply with previous remand directives. The AOJ must obtain updated VA and private treatment records, reschedule missed VA examinations, and provide a VA examination if deemed necessary.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and updated SSA records. The Veteran's substance abuse and CAD are also being reviewed for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected IHD, warranting a grant of service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability and hypertension, and has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to November 20, 2015. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is caused or aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being submitted by the Veteran and VA records added to the claims file. The cases will be reconsidered, and a supplemental statement of the case must be issued.