Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for hypertension, otitis externa, headaches, sinusitis, and sleep apnea due to lack of medical nexus opinions. The Veteran's disabilities are believed to be related to his exposure to industrial solvents and other chemicals during active service.

The Veteran's hypertension, back disability, and right knee meniscal tear are rated at the minimum levels allowed by law. The Veteran is granted a separate rating for his right knee condition but denied an increased rating for his back disability. His PTSD is initially granted a total rating effective from May 23, 2016.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension and chronic otitis externa in the left ear have been granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent each. The decision is based on the medical evidence showing the need for continuous medication for hypertension and frequent and prolonged treatment for chronic otitis externa.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD and hypertension due to potential exposure during military service in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's symptoms related to these conditions are being reviewed with a focus on whether they are attributable to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims of a compensable rating for hypertension, service connection for hyperlipidemia, and an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder.

The Board has reopened the service connection claims for hypertension, chronic depression, and chronic lumbar strain. The left wrist disability claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of October 1, 2009.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the August 2004 rating decision that assigned a noncompensable rating for hypertension. The decision is revised to assign a 10 percent initial rating for hypertension effective December 1, 2003.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability was a contributory cause of his death, and the Board has granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure, nervous condition, and heart disorder (including coronary artery disease).

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence and a need for a VA medical examination.

The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and remanded the hearing loss claim due to lack of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 9, 2010 for service connection for hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and supraventricular arrhythmia (sinus tachycardia) have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for supraventricular arrhythmia or sinus tachycardia has also been denied. The AOJ assigned a zero percent (noncompensable) rating for hypertension, which is the current effective date.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the claim is dismissed. The Board has also remanded two issues: service connection for sleep apnea and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, a lumbar spine disability, bilateral eye disability (including glaucoma and cortical cataracts), right ear hearing loss disability, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and psychiatric disorder (PTSD).,For hypertension, the Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between service and current hypertension.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, vision disability (likely glaucoma), and hypertension. The claim for service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, kidney disease, and circumcision residuals due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions are related to his military service.