Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for heart disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for enlarged prostate is remanded as the evidence does not establish a current diagnosis of prostate cancer or other prostate disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his hypertension and skin disability, as well as service connection for ischemic heart disease and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, and bladder cancer to determine their relationship to service, including presumed herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not related to service, specifically noting that it was first diagnosed in November 2004 and attributed to his diabetes mellitus type II. The claim for secondary service connection for hypertension due to diabetes mellitus type II is granted.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and heart disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including right arm/elbow disability, left arm/elbow disability, right wrist disability, hypertension, and lumbar spine disability. The originating agency failed to schedule a VA examination that addressed whether these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knees, hips, and ankles.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been submitted in some cases, and additional VA treatment records have been added to his file. The Veteran will be provided a supplemental statement of the case if their benefits are not granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and spinal hematoma, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service or any service-connected disabilities.,The decision also noted that hypertension could not be presumed due to herbicide exposure as it is not listed among the diseases associated with such exposure.

The Veteran's appeal seeking to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a back condition, and his appeals for service connection for a cervical spine disability, increased ratings for PFB and right hand disability have been dismissed.,Service connection for hypertension has been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,Service connection will be considered based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure or other theories.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his service-connected disabilities and his death.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeals for certain claims and has remanded other claims due to new evidence or issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination to determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as opposed to non-service-connected ones.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding service connection for hypertension. The decision on neuroma of the right foot remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease and hypertension due to herbicide exposure because there is no evidence of service within 12 nautical miles of the demarcation line in Vietnam. The AOJ needs to verify if the USS Enterprise was within the territorial sea of Vietnam or within 12 nautical miles of the demarcation line during the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, is found to be related to his military service.,The Veteran's headaches are determined to be secondary to a service-connected acquired psychological disorder (depression).,There is no evidence of tinnitus that was incurred in and due to the Veteran's time in service.,The Veteran's back condition did not have its onset during service or within one year of discharge, nor is it shown to be causally related to any disease, injury, or incident in service.,Hepatitis B is not found to have begun during active service or be otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran does not have a left foot condition that was incurred in and due to his time in service.,The Veteran does not have a right foot condition that was incurred in and due to his time in service.,Hypertension is not found to be related to the Veteran's military service or manifest within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran does not have a skin condition disorder that was incurred in and due to his time in service.,The Veteran does not have a sleep disorder that was incurred in or due to his time in service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for DM, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The claim for an earlier effective date for DM was denied.,Service connection was established for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's stroke is related to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty service and has been granted. The claim for hypertension, which may be linked to herbicide exposure, is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it is not related to his active duty service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits are remanded due to his current employment issues and the need for a new vocational rehabilitation assessment considering his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is also instructed to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.