Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Veteran requested to withdraw all issues on appeal, and the Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's seminoma of the right testicle was denied as it is less likely than not related to service or his diabetes mellitus, Type II.,The Veteran's hypertension was granted as at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The claims for service connection of right and left knee disability, right hip disability, and left ankle disability are being remanded. The claim for hypertension is also remanded as it may be related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the hypertension claim, denied all other claims due to lack of supporting evidence or residuals from malaria, and denied increased ratings for various peripheral neuropathy conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. The issue of service connection for bilateral upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed condition.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted an initial disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher. The right wrist scar issue is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for hypertension and a renal condition, bilateral kidneys, as they are related to herbicide agent exposure due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's kidney disease with hypertension prior to December 7, 2015 did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. After December 7, 2015, it also did not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is likely caused by his service, including exposure to herbicides. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for an earlier effective date for the awards of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA). The effective dates were set at February 21, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to exposure to Agent Orange, finding that the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not caused by his herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has continuously had symptoms of tinnitus since service and resolves all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and remanded the issues of service connection for blurred/distorted vision and TDIU. The Veteran's hypertension is found to be exacerbated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, but not due to herbicide exposure or service.

The Board denied service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), sinusitis, chronic urinary tract infections, hypertension, and a back disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development and consideration of whether an extraschedular TDIU rating is appropriate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and cervical spine disability due to outstanding treatment records not currently associated with her case file.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his military service and the development of this condition.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea, finding that there is no nexus to active service and the conditions were not shown within one year of discharge.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence regarding the combined functional effects of all service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to perform gainful employment. Further development is required, including obtaining a medical opinion from an occupational and/or vocational medicine expert.

The Veteran's surviving spouse is seeking service connection for hypertension and a revision of the November 2005 rating decision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) for accrued benefits purposes. The appeal is remanded due to procedural issues.