Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's hypertension, stroke, and physiatric disability have been granted service connection. The Board found the evidence sufficient to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and skin condition is remanded as additional examination is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his blood pressure readings have never consistently been at levels requiring such a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, low back disability, left ankle and knee disabilities, bilateral eye disabilities, hemorrhoids, scar, skin disability, and PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional development.,VA examinations were cancelled because the Veteran missed them. The Board finds that medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including melanoma, prostate disorder, hypertension, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, erectile dysfunction, and cancer of the lymph nodes. The claims are being remanded to obtain VA examinations and determine if there is a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service, particularly his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's hypertension has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent since October 26, 2010.

The appeal for service connection for headaches has been dismissed.,The appeals seeking earlier effective dates for tinnitus and a 70% rating for bipolar I disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder have also been dismissed.,An initial rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus, as well as ratings greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II, and greater than 60 percent for CAD, have all been dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension with irregular heartbeat and hypertensive arterionephrosclerosis has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for a heart condition, respiratory condition, migraines, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted. The claim for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent use. The claims for ischemic heart disease and hypertension are remanded due to lack of medical records. Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity polyneuropathy, and cataracts are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his in-service exposure to herbicides. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also being remanded as new evidence indicates a current diagnosis of PTSD and anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's service connection claims will be reconsidered based on the newly received evidence, including possible in-service exposure to herbicides at Takhli RTAFB.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for skin cancer, asthma (including as secondary to asbestos exposure), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during his service aboard the U.S.S. Piedmont.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his cardiac arrest was not related to his service-connected conditions or treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year thereafter, or a link between either disorder and service. The Board found that the disabilities are not secondary to his service-connected residuals of frostbite or left knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and its relation to service-connected schizophrenia.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for hypertension, service connection for a left knee disability, and service connection for bilateral cataracts. The appeal is REMANDED for further development regarding these issues.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, including whether it is related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, a neurological disability (other than headaches), and a heart disability are denied. Service connection is granted for headaches only.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Type II, and coronary artery disease (CAD) as there was no in-service event or injury related to these conditions. The Veteran's statements regarding the onset of his disabilities were not considered competent evidence.