Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, hypertension, and left knee disability have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or other factors listed in § 4.40 or § 4.45.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected conditions.,Both conditions were found to be directly related to the Veteran's active service without any secondary or aggravation claims being considered.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and related secondary conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure during service. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the primary issue of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development, including verification of periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) and rescheduling VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that his current disability is related to his active service. The decision also acknowledges that his hypertension began during his time in service and was treated with medication.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in or near the Korean DMZ during service. The issues of service connection for hypertension and bilateral neurological disability of the lower extremities are remanded as VA treatment records are needed, and an opinion is required regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding Department of Defense treatment records not being obtained.

The Board has determined that the remand directives have not been substantially complied with, and the Veteran's claims for service connection for Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease and Hypertension are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for neuropathy of the right upper extremity, residuals of traumatic brain injury, high blood pressure, and a skin disability to obtain additional VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for a VA addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension, which could impact service connection and SMC determinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to new medical evidence received during the appeal process. The Veteran's hip disabilities and hypertension are being evaluated again as there may be alternative theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no current diagnosis related to service.,Right wrist joint pain is denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no evidence of continuity of symptoms post-service.,Left ankle sprain is denied as the condition did not have its onset during active service and is not otherwise related to active service.,Left shoulder condition is denied for similar reasons as right wrist joint pain.,Right shoulder condition is denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no evidence of continuity of symptoms post-service.,Left knee chondromalacia of patella is denied because the Veteran's current condition did not have its onset during active service and is not otherwise related to active service.,Right knee chondromalacia of patella is denied for similar reasons as left knee chondromalacia.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for hypertension is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence after the issuance of the August 2015 Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, a kidney disability, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and glaucoma due to exposure to herbicide agents while aboard the USS Hollister.

The Board has determined that the remand directives have not been substantially completed for the issues of service connection for hypertension and squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus. The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and outstanding private treatment records. The issues are related to various conditions including actinic keratosis, atherosclerosis lower extremities, atrial fibrillation, basal cell carcinoma left and right cheek/right nose, cervical spine stenosis, chronic kidney disease stage 3, depression, erectile dysfunction, essential hypertension, left carotid stenosis, mixed hyperlipidemia, lumbar spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and carotid artery stenosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for atherosclerotic vascular disease, renal neoplasms, bilateral renal cysts, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to herbicide agent exposure. The claims are being returned for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has granted the claims for service connection for parotid neoplasm and acquired psychiatric disability as secondary to HIV, but denied the claim for prostatitis. The other conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and PTSD were denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Service connection for vertigo was also denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence of a vertigo disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for hypertension was denied in July 2010, and the Board granted service connection in July 2015. The RO assigned a 10% disability rating effective October 14, 2009. The Veteran contends that he should be entitled to an increased rating.